According to Asbestos, the toxic mineral can cause illnesses other than mesothelioma. It is known that asbestos exposure is the main cause of development of mesothelioma and asbestosis, however, it may lead to development of other pulmonary diseases.
A 79-year-old man was recently diagnosed with chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease, according to syndicated “To Your Health” column by Dr. Paul Donohue. The diseases is made up of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, often showing itself as a smoker’s sickness. However, the main in question had never smoked tobacco.
The man did work with asbestos throughout his life. The doctor said the disease could have been caused by exposure to dangerous and toxic asbestos fibers. Dr. Donohue agreed with the assessment, saying the diagnosis may be linked to smoking but advancement in one’s age and exposure to asbestos have been found to be a cause of the illness as well. Air pollution, lung infections, exposure to dusts and other contaminants, and genetic illness are other causes of COPD.
Mesothelioma is commonly seen in individuals who have spent years working around asbestos and products manufactured with the use of asbestos. Asbestos fibers are inhaled and lodge themselves in the tissue surrounding the lungs, heart and the chest cavity. It may take decades for the first symptoms of an asbestos-related disease to appear. Advancement in age and late diagnosis usually mean an individual will receive a poor prognosis and life expectancy. Asbestos-related diseases are known as severe and may gravely affect a an individual’s qualify of life.