Asbestos is a type of insulation used extensively in the 19th century before its adverse effects were known. Asbestos-related conditions can exist for a long time before diagnosis; some people worked with asbestos for over 40 years before problems arose. Long-term exposure typically causes two conditions: asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis causes thickening of the lining of the outer lung and prevents the lungs from expanding and functioning normally. Asbestosis results in shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and fatigue. As of 2010, to our knowedge, there was not yet a cure for asbestosis; treatment concentrates on easing symptoms, such as by administering extra oxygen.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that can manifest as late as 60 years after first exposure to asbestos. It affects the mesothelial cells that form a membrane on the surface of most internal organs. Most patients with mesothelioma die within 3 years of diagnosis, as there is still no cure.
Avoiding Asbestos
You can take a few simple steps to avoid asbestos-related disease. Don't work without special training, and use hand tools instead of power tools. Wear a proper asbestos mask to avoid inhaling the deadly dust, as a standard dust mask is not effective enough. When extracting asbestos, use a powerful vacuum to remove dust as it forms.
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