What are the long-term effects of asbestos exposure?

Asbestos exposure can have a number of long-term health effects, some of which can be fatal. Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that can be easily inhaled or swallowed, and once in the body, these fibers remain permanently, which can lead to serious and sometimes fatal diseases. One of the most serious and prevalent long-term illnesses associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos and often does not appear until decades after the exposure. Symptoms of mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever, and it can be fatal if not treated. Asbestos exposure can also cause asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs and other tissues caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestosis can cause difficulty breathing, a chronic cough, and chest pain, and can lead to serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer. Other long-term conditions related to asbestos exposure include pleural effusions, a buildup of fluid in the lungs, and pleural plaques, a thickening of the lining of the lungs. Asbestos exposure has also been linked to a number of other illnesses, including gastrointestinal cancer and laryngeal cancer. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should speak to their doctor as soon as possible, as early detection and treatment can greatly reduce the risk of developing any of these long-term effects.

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What are the long-term effects of asbestos exposure?

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