The Harmful Effects of Asbestos on Our Bodies
The mineral asbestos has intrigued many, including its usage in homes. Once considered an excellent insulator, the fibrous content created health problems that scientists and other reigning experts wouldn’t research or collect documents on until the 1970s.
There’s no data backing how harmful asbestos was before 1970 because no one had any idea this material presented terrible health problems. Here’s what you need to know about the harmful effects of asbestos on our bodies.
Lungs
When a person inhales toxic particles, the lungs are the first organ that takes the hit. The lungs are a big part of the body, and if airborne particles from asbestos enter, it creates horrific breathing problems later on—about 15 years later.
If you or someone you live with has ingested asbestos particles, the first symptoms they may notice are shortness of breath and difficulty breathing when immobile. As the years go by, asbestos-exposed patients endure moments where completing simple tasks like brushing their teeth or changing clothing is challenging.
The diseases a person develops from infected lungs filled with asbestos particles are:
- Asbestosis
- Asbestosis pleural disease
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
Heart
Heart problems develop when the lungs get attacked. Similar to someone who develops COPD from long-term smoking, the heart works harder and faster, leading to more issues and risks of developing cancer, such as:
- Lung cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Kidney cancer
Increased heart rate due to infected lungs heightens the risk of heart failure. Pericardial mesothelioma is another form of cancer caused by sac tumors on the heart. This disease is moderately aggressive and creates problems such as an irregular heartbeat and persistent pain in the chest.
Pain
Asbestos harms internal organs, and patients report pain in those areas. From extreme pain comes inflammation, and swelling is a sign for patients to see a doctor to remedy their symptoms.
Although there’s no cure for these internal issues, there are treatments to deal with the extreme pain brought on by aggressive cancers or other illnesses.
Once you get home, talk with your family about the effects of asbestos. Then, consider your home’s age. If it’s over fifty years old, there’s most likely asbestos lingering in the floors or walls. Contact an asbestos abatement company to inspect your home and remove any signs of the mineral.
You’re truly in the best of hands with Air Safe Inc., and we make it mandatory to inspect and remove any possible trace of asbestos for a better home that’s easier to breathe in. Protect your family and contact us for more information on our asbestos removal services.
