Furthermore, asbestos fibers are symbolic of the tragic implications of relentless greed – primarily of the construction and manufacturing industries – but that’s a whole other story.

Tragically, inhaled asbestos fibers are like tiny time bombs, ticking away in sinister silence until they eventually go off, manifesting into a variety of illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural disease, and the most serious of all, mesothelioma. These diseases can take years or even decades to develop, making early detection crucial for successful treatment.

Mesothelioma is particularly challenging to treat, and can develop in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. The disease has a long latency period, which means symptoms may not become apparent for many years or even decades after exposure to these silent saboteurs. For example, an individual exposed to asbestos in their 20s may not develop mesothelioma until as late as their twilight years (70+). That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the early symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses and begin treatment as quickly as possible. 

Early signs and symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and fatigue – of course, these symptoms are common for many conditions, but if they are persistent and you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past, (even second-hand), it’s vital to see a healthcare professional without delay.

Lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural disease, and mesothelioma are among the most prevalent diseases associated with coming into contact with asbestos. There are others, such as ovarian, gastrointestinal and laryngeal cancers, and while these are less common diagnoses, asbestos is a proven cause.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is the most serious diagnosis; a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the delicate lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, and very challenging to treat. Prolonged exposure to asbestos is the typical cause, although, to be clear, no amount of asbestos exposure is safe.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is another common asbestos-related disease brought about by breathing in the tiny asbestos invaders. It’s often associated with smoking, and can be tricky to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition also caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, and characterized by the buildup of scar tissue in the lungs. This condition can make breathing difficult and drives up the risks for developing lung infections.

Pleural disease is a condition that affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, causing chest pain, difficulty breathing, and sometimes a persistent cough. It’s typically caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, and can also be a precursor to more serious asbestos-related diseases.

Early Detection is Vital

Early detection is essential for improving the outcomes for individuals affected by asbestos-related illnesses. One of the cruelest characteristics of asbestos-related illnesses is the latency period; asbestos-related illnesses can take years or even decades to manifest, and by the time symptoms rock up, the disease has often already progressed to an advanced stage.

That’s why recognizing the early symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses and understanding the risks of second-hand exposure can help individuals stack the cards in significantly greater favor of their overall health. By understanding the risks of asbestos exposure and recognizing the early symptoms of these conditions, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and seek medical attention if necessary. 

Breakthrough Treatments

Researchers relentlessly pursue new treatment discoveries, with some recent and very promising results. Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy (HITHOC), for example, is a cutting-edge cancer treatment now offering new hope for mesothelioma patients. 

HITHOC is an experimental type of chemotherapy that involves heating chemotherapeutic agents and injecting them directly into cancer-infected tissue. The combination of direct application and high temperatures is believed to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy’s cancer-killing effects. HITHOC can be performed immediately after a major tumor-removal surgery and permits the surgeon to provide multimodal care, reducing the chance that the surgeon will later have to perform more intensive procedures.

Other breakthrough treatments include immunotherapy drugs like vudalimab, which has shown promise in clinical trials for the treatment of rare, advanced cancers like mesothelioma. These drugs work by boosting the patient’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

While these treatments are promising, it’s important to note that prevention is still the best approach to avoiding asbestos-related illnesses. Workers who may be exposed to asbestos should receive proper training and personal protective equipment. Homeowners and building managers should also take appropriate measures to prevent exposure. If you suspect that your home or workplace may contain asbestos, contact a professional to have it tested and removed as necessary.

Can Healthier Lifestyle Choices Help?

Yes. While there’s no cure for asbestos-related illnesses, healthy lifestyle choices can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables can help strengthen the immune system, improve energy levels, and generally provide additional resilience against many of the symptoms suffered.

Additionally, regular exercise can help improve lung function and reduce the risk of developing other health conditions. Yoga and other gentle exercises can also help manage symptoms like breathing difficulties and anxiety.

Compensation

Individuals who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible for compensation, even if their exposure occurred second-hand or they are lifelong cigarette smokers. Asbestos trusts are a source of compensation for individuals who have been harmed by asbestos exposure. These trusts were established to compensate individuals who have developed asbestos-related illnesses due to exposure to asbestos products manufactured or distributed by the trust’s participating companies; these trusts have already paid out billions of dollars to compensate victims of asbestos exposure, and counting.

Second-Hand Exposure

While occupational exposure to asbestos is by far the most common cause of asbestos-related illnesses, second-hand exposure can also lead to the development of such conditions. Second-hand exposure occurs when an individual is exposed to asbestos fibers that have been carried home on the clothing or skin of someone who has been working with asbestos. 

The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that family members exposed to asbestos dust from laundering a worker’s clothing have a significantly increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Studies have also found that exposure due to living near an industrial asbestos source, such as mines, mills, or asbestos processing plants, can increase the risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.

Prevention and Education

Asbestos-related illnesses have been recognized as a major public health issue since the mid-20th century. Despite efforts to regulate the use of asbestos and improve workplace safety, asbestos remains a threat to public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 107,000 deaths per year are attributed to asbestos-related diseases worldwide. Asbestos is still present in many older buildings and homes, and those who work in certain industries, such as construction and manufacturing, may still be at risk of exposure.

Education and awareness are critical for addressing the ongoing threat of asbestos-related illnesses. By understanding the risks of asbestos exposure and recognizing the early symptoms of these conditions, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and seek medical attention if necessary. Additionally, advocating for stricter regulations and greater transparency regarding asbestos exposure can help prevent future cases of asbestos-related illnesses.