ASBESTOS DISADVANTAGES

Asbestos Disease

Asbestos exposure has been attributed as a root cause for many types of health complications, with some being more serious than others. Many of these complications affect the respiratory system and can impact breathing and lung function. Because mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to other respiratory ailments, it is important to discuss specific situations with mesothelioma doctors, especially for those who have a known asbestos-exposure history. Specialists and others can help make an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis.

Though asbestos was once considered a “miracle mineral”, since the days of the Holy Roman Empire it has been apparent that asbestos causes severe pulmonary problems. Even centuries ago, naturalists like Pliny the Elder noted that the slaves who mined asbestos suffered from “sickness of the lungs” and died at an early age.

However, asbestos diseases really didn't garner attention until the early to mid 1900's, when asbestos use was at its peak and more and more individuals were getting sick due to exposure to this toxic mineral, which was primarily used as insulation but was also added to myriad other manufactured goods including a wide variety of building products.

Though researchers don’t fully understand why some individuals develop asbestos diseases and others do not, evidence points to the fact that length and intensity of exposure may have something to do with it. However, experts agree that no amount of asbestos exposure is safe.

                       

Life with an Asbestos Disease:

Because they affect the lungs and inhibit breathing, living with an asbestos disease can be quite difficult. Both asbestos-is and mesothelioma patients will require certain procedures or treatments that serve to lessen symptoms of the disease and aim to improve quality of life. Unfortunately, however, both diseases eventually claim the lives of their victims.

Most individuals who've developed asbestos diseases were exposed to the mineral without knowing it was toxic. Though many employers knew of the dangers of asbestos, many continued to use it without regard for employees’ health and never provided masks or other gear that may have prevented inhalation of asbestos fibers. This negligence has negatively impacted not only the lives of thousands of victims but their loved ones as well.