Back before we understood the true nature of asbestos, you could find it everywhere. It was used in a variety of applications because it was durable, provided insulation, and it also came pretty cheap. Of course, we now understand that our reliance on asbestos led to dire outcomes. Participating in an  asbestos clean up  is now a necessity whenever the substance is discovered inside a building.

How exactly does asbestos exposure put your health at risk? Continue reading to find out the many answers to that question.

Lung Cancer

First off, we need to highlight how exposure to asbestos affects your chances of developing lung cancer. Lung cancer is the number one disease most commonly attributed to contact with asbestos.

Asbestos fibers can stay inside your lungs for decades. That means that asbestos can still be a contributing factor toward lung cancer even if decades pass before you display symptoms. People who smoke are at an even greater risk of developing this condition.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the layer of tissue that covers many of our internal organs. According to Asbestos.com, around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the U.S. each year.

What's even more troubling is that almost all the mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the U.S. are related to asbestos exposure. Following diagnosis, the survival rate for mesothelioma patients is around one to two years.

Other Cancers

Apart from lung cancer and mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can also increase a person's chances of developing other types of cancer.

Asbestos is seen as a direct contributor to both laryngeal and ovarian cancer. People exposed to asbestos consistently also have increased odds of developing cancers that affect the appendix, colon, esophagus, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and rectum.

Asbestosis

You should also eliminate all traces of asbestos from your home or workplace if you want to avoid developing the disease known as asbestosis.

Asbestosis is a condition that compromises breathing. It can also cause a great deal of chest pain, persistent coughing, and clubbing around the fingertips and toes.

An asbestos clean up effectively reduces your chances of developing the diseases discussed above. Contact All Clean Environmental Services Inc today to receive a free estimate on asbestos abatement or removal.