Asbestos exposure is linked to serious — and in many cases fatal — illnesses. Understanding what those illnesses are, and how the medical community classifies them, can help you make sense of why testing and proper removal matter so much.
What Kinds of Diseases Can Asbestos Cause?
Asbestos exposure results in two broad categories of disease: malignant (cancerous) and non-malignant (benign). It is important to know that even some of the non-malignant conditions can be life-threatening over time.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there is a proven correlation between asbestos exposure and four types of cancer, plus a potential link to three additional tumor types.
Cancers Confirmed to Be Linked to Asbestos Exposure
- Mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal)
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
Cancers Possibly Linked to Asbestos Exposure
- Pharyngeal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Colon cancer
Non-Cancerous Diseases Associated with Asbestos
- Hyaline pleural plaques
- Asbestosis
- Pleural thickening
- Pleural effusion
If you are concerned about potential asbestos exposure in your home or workplace, please do not wait. The team at ES America is here to help you take the right steps to protect yourself and the people around you. Reach out to us at services@es-america.com.