Asbestos related diseases are due to cumulative
exposure to asbestos fibres. The more fibres you breathe
in the more you increase your chance of contracting a related
disease.
Asbestosis - When asbestos fibres are inhaled,
they can become trapped in the lung tissue. As a defence
the body tries to dissolve the fibres by producing an acid.
Due to the chemical resistance of the asbestos fibres, little
or no damage occurs to the trapped fibres but scarring may
occur to the surrounding tissue. Eventually, the scarring
may become so severe that the lungs cannot function. It
can take up to 20 - 30 years before the disease is diagnosed.
Mesothelioma - A cancer of the pleura (outer lining
of the lung and chest cavity) and/or the peritoneum (lining
of the abdominal wall). The only known cause for this type
of cancer if from exposure to asbestos fibres. The disease
can take between 15 - 30 years to develop before it is diagnosed.
Lung Cancer - caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.
The effects of lung cancer due to asbestos are believed
to be greatly increased if the victim smokes cigarettes
as well. Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract can also be
caused by asbestos. The disease can take between 15 - 30
years to develop before it is diagnosed.
