When most people picture diseases related to asbestos, they think of mesothelioma.
It is true that mesothelioma is directly linked to exposure to asbestos, but this is not the only disorder that can arise as a result of contact with asbestos.
Additionally, lungs are not the only areas of the body that can suffer from asbestos exposure.
In fact, asbestos can also cause cancer in the digestive system.
Although asbestos is now mostly banned and otherwise strictly controlled, it was once a very popular material for many different industries, such as construction, automotive, and shipping.
Asbestos is a silicate mineral that can insulate against heat, flame, chemicals, and electricity.
Also, this material is strong and flexible, which makes it easy to be added to everything from ceiling tiles to brake pads to fire doors.
Normally, asbestos is not harmful when it is combined with another strong material.
However, as an asbestos-containing item ages, it can degrade.
This allows the asbestos to escape in microscopic particles.
If you inhale these fibers, they can go into your lungs, or they can get trapped in your mouth.
From here, swallowing your saliva can then transfer the asbestos to your digestive system.
Additionally, if airborne asbestos settles on your food, you can consume the particles that way.
Lastly, some water mains were constructed with asbestos-laden cement, which can break down and release asbestos into the water supply.
You can drink the water and ingest the fibers.
Our bodies do not have the ability to break down the asbestos fibers once they are lodged in our tissue.
Thus, the trapped fibers can grow into tumors.
There are several different types of cancer that have been linked to asbestos in the digestive system, including:
If you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos, you may want more information to learn more about your risks.
Please visit the Asbestos Help Center today for more information.
It is true that mesothelioma is directly linked to exposure to asbestos, but this is not the only disorder that can arise as a result of contact with asbestos.
Additionally, lungs are not the only areas of the body that can suffer from asbestos exposure.
In fact, asbestos can also cause cancer in the digestive system.
Although asbestos is now mostly banned and otherwise strictly controlled, it was once a very popular material for many different industries, such as construction, automotive, and shipping.
Asbestos is a silicate mineral that can insulate against heat, flame, chemicals, and electricity.
Also, this material is strong and flexible, which makes it easy to be added to everything from ceiling tiles to brake pads to fire doors.
Normally, asbestos is not harmful when it is combined with another strong material.
However, as an asbestos-containing item ages, it can degrade.
This allows the asbestos to escape in microscopic particles.
If you inhale these fibers, they can go into your lungs, or they can get trapped in your mouth.
From here, swallowing your saliva can then transfer the asbestos to your digestive system.
Additionally, if airborne asbestos settles on your food, you can consume the particles that way.
Lastly, some water mains were constructed with asbestos-laden cement, which can break down and release asbestos into the water supply.
You can drink the water and ingest the fibers.
Our bodies do not have the ability to break down the asbestos fibers once they are lodged in our tissue.
Thus, the trapped fibers can grow into tumors.
There are several different types of cancer that have been linked to asbestos in the digestive system, including:
- Gastrointestinal
- Colorectal
- Kidney
- Throat
- Esophageal
If you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos, you may want more information to learn more about your risks.
Please visit the Asbestos Help Center today for more information.