In 1828, the first American patent for asbestos was issued. Since then, an untold number of victims have suffered from exposure to the material. Unfortunately, it took nearly 80 years for a doctor to recognize the link between asbestos exposure and illness. In these more modern times, the Environmental Protection Agency regulates asbestos use, but the material is still used in industry and in many commonly used products.
In the realm of medical science, most asbestos-related illnesses are no longer as mysterious as they once were. Doctors now have a good understanding of these illnesses and the effect they have on a patient’s quality of life and life expectancy.
You have probably heard a lot about mesothelioma, which is a cancerous disease that affects the pleura or the lining of the lungs and chest walls. However, asbestos exposure can lead to other cancers such as lung cancer, laryngeal cancer and even ovarian cancer in rare cases.
Asbestosis, which is a pulmonary disease, is another illness caused by exposure to asbestos. While not a cancer, asbestosis causes significant lung damage and interferes with the ability to breathe. It is a progressive disease with no cure, but its symptoms can be treated with oxygen therapy and medication.
Exposure to asbestos can also cause other illnesses of the pleura. Many of these are not fatal but may cause pain and discomfort to the patients. Fortunately, it is possible to find relief from the symptoms of these non-cancerous pleural illnesses with medical care.
Even when victims of asbestos exposure are able to live long lives, they are often overwhelmed with pain and the cost of proper medical treatment. Those suffering from these illnesses in Tennessee may be able to find compensation for their suffering by speaking with an injury attorney.
Source: Asbestos.com, “5 Diseases You Should Know Are Caused by Asbestos Exposure,” Michelle Whitmer, accessed Jan. 04, 2018