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Asbestosis, bronchogenic carcinoma, and lung cancer

Asbestosis, bronchogenic carcinoma and lung cancer

Asbestosis is a relatively uncommon disease, usually found predominantly in people who are chronically exposed to asbestos material. Those who are at the highest risk are the people who directly handle asbestos material at their job. This group includes miners working in asbestos mines and quarries, shipyard workers, automotive mechanics (particularly brake mechanics), construction workers, electricians, and other workers in the building trades.

Exposure to asbestos is not limited to those who directly work with the material. Asbestosis has been diagnosed in family members of these workers, as asbestos fibers can enter the home if they are on clothes or hair. Also, asbestos can be encountered in many old buildings, putting those building inhabitants at risk if the asbestos is exposed and disturbed.

The danger of asbestosis is that it can lead to more life-threatening asbestos-related diseases such as bronchogenic carcinoma (lung cancer), and mesothelioma (a cancer of the membrane lining the outside of the lungs).

Courtesy of Ringsurf