Effects of Asbestos Exposure :

Asbestos fibers are very strong and used in many products. Most of its uses are in acoustic as well as heat insulation, fire proofing, and in making the roofs and floors of various establishments.

However, exposure to asbestos can result in various health risks, which develop over time. The symptoms of these diseases sometimes do not surface for years after exposure. For this reason, it is imperative that children avoid exposure to asbestos. Lung disease is the most common effect of asbestos exposure.

Some Bronchial Diseases Linked to Asbestos Exposure:

· Asbestosis: This is a non-cancerous disease of the lungs. It is a long-term and progressive disease. The inhalation of the asbestos fibers irritates the lung tissues and inflames them, thus causing scarring. Thus, the patient finds it hard to breathe. Asbestosis has a long latency period ranging from 10 to 20 years after the first exposure. The disease might be either asymptomatic or could seriously disable the patient or even be fatal.

· Mesothelioma: This is a rare form of cancer, which appears on the thin membrane covering the lungs, chest, abdomen and heart. Like Asbestosis, it has a long latency period and may not show up until years after the actual exposure takes place.

· Lung Cancer: Cancer of the lungs causes the death of maximum number of patients exposed to asbestos. People who work in factories associated with asbestos production are more likely to fall victim to lung cancer. Asbestos exposure combined with smoking increases the chances for lung cancer, as opposed to exposure or smoking alone.

· Pleural Aberrations: Abnormalities in the pleural area (lining of the chest cavity in the area outside the lungs) are also a common phenomena with patients of asbestos exposure. Plaques might develop, the area might thicken or calcification of the pleural area may occur.

Relative non-conclusive reports show a link between asbestos exposure and the following non-respiratory cancers -

· Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Cancers: Studies conducted on workers employed with factories that dealt with asbestos have shown some evidence of a correlation between asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal (esophagus and stomach) and colorectal (colon and rectum) cancers. However, reviews conducted by other researchers have shown no causal relationship between asbestos exposure and the two cancers.

· Cancer of the Brain, Kidney and Other Sites: Other studies conducted to link other non-respiratory cancers with asbestos exposure have also proved to be inconclusive. While some studies show a clear link, other studies have disproved them. However, very few studies do show an elevated risk of non-respiratory cancers and asbestos exposure.

Because of its harmful effects, asbestos has been banned in most developed countries. In its place, these countries are now using man made mineral fiber (MMMF) as this is relatively less harmful. However, in developing and under-developed countries, asbestos is still used widely because of its easy availability and low cost. As a result, asbestos exposure is still an area of concern in many parts of the world.