A range of diseases can arise from the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestos, a fibrous mineral once utilized as an insulating material for its heat- and fire-resistant properties, comes in three primary fiber types: white, blue, and brown. Blue and brown asbestos are particularly hazardous. Presently, the use of all asbestos types is strictly regulated and controlled.
In the condition known as asbestosis, extensive and delicate scarring occurs throughout the lungs. This disease manifests as breathlessness and a dry cough, progressively leading to severe disability and eventual fatality. Asbestosis primarily affects industrial workers who have endured significant exposure to asbestos. The latency period between initial exposure and the onset of the disease is typically no less than 20 years. Diagnosis is typically established through a chest X-ray. Furthermore, asbestosis heightens the risk of developing lung cancer.
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that develops in the pleura (the membrane surrounding the lungs) or the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity). When it affects the pleura, mesothelioma leads to pain and breathlessness, while in the peritoneum, it causes abdominal enlargement and intestinal obstruction. Unfortunately, this condition is incurable and typically results in death within one to two years. The average time between initial asbestos exposure and death ranges from 20 to 30 years. Mesothelioma primarily affects individuals who have been exposed to blue or brown asbestos.
Diffuse pleural thickening is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of both the outer and inner layers of the pleura, often accompanied by the accumulation of excess fluid in the space between them. This combination restricts the lungs’ capacity to expand fully, leading to shortness of breath. Remarkably, this condition can develop even after brief exposure to asbestos.