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Conditions Associated with Asbestos
By: U. S. Govt.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term disease of the lungs.
Asbestosis is not a cancer. Inhaling asbestos fibers that irritate and inflame
lung tissues, causing the lung tissues to scar, causes asbestosis. The scarring
makes it hard to breathe and difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide pass through
the lungs. Asbestosis generally progresses slowly. The latency
period for the onset of asbestosis is typically 10-20 years after the initial
exposure. The disease can vary from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to disabling
and potentially fatal.
Signs and Symptoms of asbestosis can include:
- Shortness of breath is the primary symptom
- A persistent and productive cough (a cough that expels mucus)
- Chest tightness
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling.
Pleural Abnormalities
Persons with significant exposure to asbestos are at risk for
developing various types of pleural (lining of the lungs)
abnormalities. These abnormalities include
pleural plaques, pleural thickening, pleural calcification, and pleural
mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer which may affect the lining of the
lings (plura) or the abdominal contents (peritoneum). Most mesotheliomas are
caused by exposure to asbestos.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that invades and obstructs the lung's
air passages. Cigar....[MORE]
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