Several factors can help to determine how asbestos exposure affects an individual, including:
- Dose or the amount an individual was exposed to.
- Duration of exposure
- Type of asbestos fibers, their size, shape, and chemical makeup
- Source of exposure.
- Individual risk factors, such as smoking, immune status and pre-existing lung disease.
Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, various asbestos fiber types are thought to differ with regard to their carcinogenic (cancer causing) potential. Asbestos fibers are classified as either serpentine or amphibole, based on their shape. Results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time. All common commercial types of asbestos have been associated with lung cancer.
- What exactly is asbestos?
- What are the types of asbestos?
- What is asbestos used for?
- Where does asbestos come from?
- Is asbestos dangerous to my health?
- What are the other asbestos related lung diseases?
- Can asbestos exposure lead to other types of cancer?
- Who is at risk of being exposed to asbestos?
- Is asbestos banned for use?
- How can I protect myself against the risks of asbestos?
- How do I know if a particular product I work with contains asbestos?
- What is the role of employer
