HOW DOES ASBESTOS CAUSE HARM?

Asbestos fibrils are small and can be easily breathed in. Once in the lungs, these tiny fibers may penetrate between the lung cells and enter the chest cavity13. There, the fibrils are recognized as foreign material by the body, and white blood cells are sent to attack with enzymes.

Enzymes have little effect on asbestos but can cause damage to the tissues that line the chest cavity and cover the lungs. Because of the action of these enzymes, microscopic scars form on the tissue surrounding the asbestos fibrils. More white cells arrive with more enzymes, repeating the process.

Over many years, these scars can enlarge and merge together. The scarred cells may become cancer cells, developing into mesothelioma14.

13Schottenfeld D, Fraumeni J (eds). Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention 2nd ed. New York, Oxford University Press: 1996, p655.

14Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Asbestos Toxicity. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HEC/CSEM/asbestos/physiologic_effects.html