What is Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has high heat resistance capabilities. The mineral is mostly used in making insulation materials and fireproof items. Asbestos comes in six different types. The fibers are long and thin and consist of tiny fibrils which can be easily exposed to the environment through abrasion or other processes. When inhaled, these fibrils can cause various health conditions such as cancer. Over the past many years, the material was used in making building materials. However, it was considered to be a health hazard and is rarely used in making such materials.
Associated risks
The use of Asbestos in constructing buildings has been banned in many countries. The material is considered a health hazard. When people inhale the fibers, they risk developing various health conditions. Inhaling these fibers can result in lung conditions such as asbestosis and other types of cancer. If the works do not use the right protective gear, they can unknowingly inhale the product for a long period. In the long run, they end up developing the associated health conditions. The material is associated with the risk of developing Pleural Plaques, Ovarian, Kidney, and Laryngeal Cancers.
Industries with the highest risk
Among the industries with the highest risk of asbestos exposure are those in the construction sector. these are industries that manufacture asbestos insulation and cement. Shipbuilders also use the material in building insulators and other fireproofing material to be used in the ship. Mining companies and chemical plants are also at the risk of exposing their employees to Asbestos. Most of the industries dealing with Asbestos know the health risks involved. Therefore, they have to implement the right measures to prevent their employees from inhaling asbestos fiber which is known to cause health conditions such as mesothelioma. These industries tend to hire a mesothelioma lawyer to help them pursue lawsuits when sued by their employees.
Related health conditions
Asbestos is associated with various types of cancer that people develop long after being exposed to the material. Among the health conditions are mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs, heart, and stomach. Swallowing the product can also result in the occurrence of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a lung disease that is caused by inhaling Asbestos for a long period.
What to do if you have mesothelioma
If you find out that you have mesothelioma, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. You can choose to undergo chemotherapy before cancer spreads to other parts of the body or advances to a chronic stage. When treated early enough, mesothelioma can be managed to an extent that the patient does not experience a lot of pain. Another important thing to note is that you might require compensation from the industry you worked in. The compensation might not be easy to pursue because you will need proof that the Asbestos that caused the cancer was from that particular industry. Therefore, you might need a mesothelioma lawyer to help you pursue the lawsuit or follow up on the compensation.
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