ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES
ASBESTOS LUNG CANCER
Exposure to asbestos also causes lung cancer. Lung cancer is abnormal growth of cells inside the lungs, unlike mesothelioma, which occurs outside of the lungs. Lung cancer can also spread or metastasize throughout the human body. The two main types are small-cell lung carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. The symptoms include shortness of breath, weight loss, chest pains and persistent cough, sometimes with blood. The combination of asbestos exposure, asbestosis, and lung cancer are closely linked. Additionally the combination of exposure to asbestos and tobacco smoke has a synergistic effect on the development of lung cancer. This means that smokers who were also exposed to asbestos have a 40-50% increase in risk of developing lung cancer.
ASBESTOSIS
Asbestosis is a signature disease caused by scarring of the inside of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It usually occurs after long-term exposure and the symptoms include shortness of breath and restrictive lung disease. Asbestosis is not cancer, however, it can be extremely disabling and, in severe cases, fatal. People with extensive and prolonged exposure such as aboard Naval vessels, in shipyards and military bases, are at an increased risk of developing asbestosis in the future.