What Health Problems Can Asbestos Cause?

Fibers that make up asbestos are very easy to separate into small pieces when they are handled or damaged. They are too small to be seen, but they are easy to breathe in. They can build up in the lungs and cause health problems.

If you breathe in the fibers for a period of time, you increase your risk for diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Smokers were even more affected. That's because cigarette smoke irritates the lungs. This makes it more difficult for the lungs to remove asbestos fibers.

Mesothelioma. If you have worked with the substance, along with the house with someone who has, or live near asbestos mines, tell your doctor if you have trouble breathing or believe it affects your health.

He can do a chest X-ray or pulmonary function test to see how much air your lungs can hold. CT scan or biopsy may help determine whether you have mesothelioma. It is a type of cancer that affects the lining that covers the lungs, chest or abdomen. Early warning signs is a buildup of fluid around the lungs. Other symptoms include pain around the ribs, breathing problems, cough, pain or lump in the abdomen, fatigue, and constipation.

People who have a rare type of cancer that is usually exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone. It can take up to 20 years for symptoms to appear. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.