Asbestos, a material once called a “miracle” for its strength and resistance to heat, has now been shown to be highly dangerous, causing serious diseases, including lung cancer. Despite the dangers, asbestos is still used in India, especially in industries like construction and manufacturing, which puts millions of people at risk. So, how exactly does asbestos cause lung cancer? What are the symptoms to look for? And what steps can be taken to stay safe? Let’s explore the answers to these questions and understand why asbestos management is so important.
How Does Asbestos Cause Lung Cancer?
“Have you ever wondered what happens when asbestos fibers enter the lungs? Why are they so dangerous?”
When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can release tiny, invisible particles into the air. These particles are about 12,000 times thinner than a human hair and can easily be breathed into the lungs. They are highly dangerous because, once inhaled, the body cannot break them down or remove them. These tiny fibers settle in the lung tissue, causing irritation, scarring, and inflammation over time. This can damage cells and lead to mutations, eventually causing cancer.
Types of Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is known to cause the following types of lung cancer:
1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
This is the most common type of lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure. It includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Asbestos fibers can cause chronic inflammation, leading to DNA damage and tumor growth in lung tissues.
2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Though less common, asbestos exposure can contribute to small cell lung cancer, a highly aggressive form of lung cancer that spreads rapidly. It is strongly linked to smoking, but asbestos fibers can increase the risk significantly when combined with other factors.
3. Mesothelioma
While technically not classified as a type of lung cancer, mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs (pleura) or other parts of the chest and abdomen. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and is notoriously difficult to treat.
Understanding these types of lung cancers highlights the critical need for awareness about asbestos exposure and the importance of prevention measures.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Symptoms
“Did you know that asbestos-related cancers can take decades to show symptoms? What symptoms would you watch out for?”
Unlike other types of lung cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer develops slowly. It often takes 20 to 40 years for symptoms to appear after someone is exposed to asbestos. This delay makes it hard to detect early, which is why it’s essential to know the warning signs. Symptoms to look out for include:
- A cough that doesn’t go away
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Pain in the chest, especially when breathing deeply
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired all the time
“Do any of these symptoms sound familiar to you or someone you know who has worked with asbestos?”
Because these symptoms are similar to other respiratory issues, people exposed to asbestos should go for regular check-ups to catch any signs of disease early.
How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Cancer?
“Is there a ‘safe’ level of asbestos exposure? How much exposure is too much?”
The truth is that even a small amount of asbestos exposure can carry some risk. However, the longer a person is exposed, the higher the chances of developing lung cancer or other diseases. Some people can be at risk even from short-term, high levels of exposure, but those with prolonged exposure, like people who work in construction or factories, face the highest risk.
“Have you ever thought about how much exposure might have happened just by being in an old building?”
Many older materials, especially those constructed before the 1980s, were built with materials containing asbestos. When these materials are disturbed during renovations, maintenance, or demolition, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, posing risks to anyone nearby. The risks include:
- Microscopic Fibers: These fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can stay airborne for hours or even days.
- Enclosed Spaces: Poorly ventilated areas like basements and attics increase the risk of inhalation.
- Minimal Exposure Risks: Even short-term exposure can lead to serious health issues over time.
- Unintentional Exposure: Residents, students, office workers, and maintenance staff in older buildings may unknowingly breathe in these harmful particles.
Global Impact of Asbestos and Lawsuits
“Asbestos has a global impact—did you know it’s costed tens of thousands of lives, led to innumerable lawsuits and company bankruptcies?”
Mismanagement or negligence related to asbestos has led to significant losses of lives, financial ruin for companies, and widespread litigation. The dangers of asbestos extend far beyond health issues, impacting businesses, economies, and legal systems worldwide.
Loss of Lives
- Health Crises: Millions globally have developed illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer due to asbestos exposure.
- Ripple Effects: Families endure emotional and financial hardships from preventable asbestos-related deaths.
Business and Economic Losses
- Bankruptcies: Many companies, especially in industries like construction and manufacturing, have gone bankrupt after lawsuits over asbestos exposure.
- Costly Compliance: Firms must allocate significant resources to asbestos abatement, legal fees, and victim compensation.
- Operational Disruptions: Contaminated sites often require closures for remediation, halting business operations and impacting workers.
Legal Repercussions
- Trust Funds: Governments and corporations have established asbestos compensation funds to address the financial burden of claims.
- Regulatory Penalties: Companies failing to adhere to asbestos safety standards face fines and legal challenges.
Click to Read EPSCO India Case Study on Asbestos-Contaminated Soil Remediation in Maharashtra
The Path Forward: Ensuring Asbestos-Free Workspaces
“Are you ready to make sure your workplace is asbestos-free?”
Through inspections, asbestos management plans, abatement, and training, companies can reduce the health risks associated with asbestos. This process not only protects people’s health but also helps avoid the legal and financial problems that can come from asbestos exposure.
“Imagine a workspace where asbestos is no longer a threat. What would that mean for everyone’s health and safety?”
Hiring professionals to handle asbestos issues ensures that safety standards are met and creates a healthier environment for everyone. As awareness grows, more companies can take steps to protect workers and reduce the cases of asbestos-related lung cancer.
EPSCO India: Leading the Way in Asbestos Management
“Where there’s asbestos, there’s risk. But with awareness, proper management, and professional abatement, we can turn this risk into resilience.”
EPSCO India sets a high standard in asbestos management with a meticulously trained and globally certified team. Each professional undergoes specialized training that aligns with international safety standards, including AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of the US EPA) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations. This dedication ensures that every workspace handled meets stringent safety and compliance benchmarks.
Further strengthened by training from industry leaders like Alfa Training International (ATI) in environmental health and safety, EPSCO India’s team brings a level of expertise that goes beyond the basics. The commitment to excellence creates safer, asbestos-free environments with a focus on professionalism and health. EPSCO India remains dedicated to enhancing workplace safety, offering a trusted pathway to a healthier work environment for all.
