Asbestos is an extremely hazardous substance, which can demonstrate no signs of exposure for long periods. Most of the time mesothelioma patients will not experience any ill effect for up to 40 years. Because of its long latency period, finding early warning signs of asbestos exposure can be very difficult.
Asbestos poisoning or asbestosis occurs due to prolonged and constant exposure to asbestos. Illnesses caused by asbestos poisoning are fatal, aggressive and incurable. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they will penetrate in lung tissues and become lodged in the lung lining, causing deep scarring and often leading to chronic breathing impairment and cancer. Asbestos exposure may also result in mesothelioma which directly affects the protective lining of the major organs such as lungs, heart and abdomen.
The diagnosis of asbestos poisoning can be somewhat difficult because symptoms of asbestos poisoning or its related diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis do not manifest until decades after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos poisoning also called as asbestosis is an interstitial pulmonary fibrosis that is caused by asbestos exposure. When asbestos containing materials break down or disturbed, its microscopic fibers become airborne that can easily be inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health concerns in the long run.