Every year, 2,000 to 3,000 Americans die from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung or stomach lining that develops from inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers. Asbestos also accounts for thousands of additional deaths from lung cancer each year.
Inhaled asbestos increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer and other non-malignant respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, according to cancer specialists. The National Cancer Society reports that about one in seven people suffering from asbestosis, a chronic lung scar caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, eventually develops into lung cancer. The higher the exposure to asbestos, the higher the risk of lung cancer.
Researchers have identified a number of factors that contribute to the development of cancer for non-smokers. Non-smoked asbestos workers are five times more likely to develop lung cancer than other non-smokers, according to an article in The New York Times.
The risk increases for asbestos smoking workers. Smokers who have been exposed to asbestos face a much higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Asbestos has been used in thousands of products such as roof shingles, water pipes, brake linings and some products for motor vehicles. In recent decades, the use of asbestos has declined since the late 1970s, and more than 40 countries have banned the use of all forms of asbestos. Today, asbestos is restricted in the United States, but it is not prohibited. People can still be exposed at the time of demolition or renovation of asbestos-containing buildings or in workplaces that still use asbestos. Some jobs such as demolition workers, and plumbers have a higher risk of exposure and are more likely to be exposed to asbestos-related illnesses.
Inhaled asbestos increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer and other non-malignant respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, according to cancer specialists. The National Cancer Society reports that about one in seven people suffering from asbestosis, a chronic lung scar caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, eventually develops into lung cancer. The higher the exposure to asbestos, the higher the risk of lung cancer.
Researchers have identified a number of factors that contribute to the development of cancer for non-smokers. Non-smoked asbestos workers are five times more likely to develop lung cancer than other non-smokers, according to an article in The New York Times.
The risk increases for asbestos smoking workers. Smokers who have been exposed to asbestos face a much higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Asbestos has been used in thousands of products such as roof shingles, water pipes, brake linings and some products for motor vehicles. In recent decades, the use of asbestos has declined since the late 1970s, and more than 40 countries have banned the use of all forms of asbestos. Today, asbestos is restricted in the United States, but it is not prohibited. People can still be exposed at the time of demolition or renovation of asbestos-containing buildings or in workplaces that still use asbestos. Some jobs such as demolition workers, and plumbers have a higher risk of exposure and are more likely to be exposed to asbestos-related illnesses.
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