Asbestos fibers cannot be seen by the naked eye and they are very light, they can stay afloat for a long period. For this reason, a person wouldn't notice if he swallows or inhales these poisonous fibers. Unfortunately, the human body is not able to naturally discharge them and when they are lodged in the lungs, asbestos poisoning takes place.

 The Impact of Asbestos Poisoning

There are three major sicknesses resulting from asbestos poisoning. They are asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

1. Asbestosis – Once the inner lung tissue becomes hardened due to embedded asbestos fibers and loses its ability for oxygen absorption, asbestosis occurs. As the disease progresses, the patient also loses the ability to perform extended physical activities.
2. Mesothelioma – This takes place when asbestos fibers that are lodged in the mesothelium produce malformed cells which are malignant and replicate uncontrollably. The most common form is the pleural mesothelioma, a cancer in the outer lining of the lung.
3. Lung Cancer – This type of cancer may also develop due to asbestos fibers that are lodged in the lungs. They can be caused by metastatic mesothelioma when the disease is already in the advanced stages and it is affecting the nearby tissues and organs, including the lungs. Yes, asbestos poisoning can result to cancer of the lungs or can be a contributing factor, especially if the victim is also a smoker.

When to Know if Asbestos Poisoning Occurs?

Asbestos diseases have this unusual feature of long latency period, which is usually from twenty to forty years after exposure. Therefore, if a person was exposed to asbestos in his twenties, the symptoms will begin to show well after his retirement. Another thing that makes diagnosis difficult is that asbestos poisoning has similar symptoms with other common lung diseases like COPD and pneumonia. This may include chest tightening, persistent dry cough, difficulty of breathing and many others. Therefore, asbestos-related diseases are not diagnosed until they have become a major health concern.

Is there a Cure for Asbestos-Related Illnesses?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for either of the three asbestos-related diseases. Asbestosis, like mesothelioma is a progressive disease, growing slowly over a lengthy period. Mesothelioma, on the other hand, is an aggressive malignancy, with patients survival time averaging from twelve to fifteen months. Lung cancer, although incurable, may be handled at an early stage, thereby allowing patients to live longer and more active lives.

The Patient's Legal Rights

Manufacturing firms and companies in America that use asbestos products have been brought to court by hundreds of workers and individuals who suffered asbestos poisoning and severe damage to their health. Over $200 billion have been spent to pay off asbestos poisoning compensations.