When most people think of asbestos exposure, the first issue that comes to mind is lung cancer. It is true that many people who are exposed to asbestos at home or at work develop lung cancer, but this is not the only ailment that asbestos exposure can cause. Here's a look at some more specific risks associated with exposure to this hazardous building material.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a condition in which the lungs develop scar tissue, causing the patient to feel short of breath. Other symptoms include a dry cough, loss of appetite, and clubbing (widening) of the fingers and toes. Some people have minor symptoms that they never even realize are caused by previous asbestos exposure, while others have such severe symptoms that they must remain on a respirator for the rest of their life. Asbestosis is not the same as lung cancer, but its symptoms do mimic those of lung cancer and tend to appear about 10 - 40 years after initial exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma of the Lungs

This is the most common type of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, though there are other lung cancers that can develop. Mesothelioma of the lungs causes symptoms that include chest pain, a chronic cough, and bloody mucous. Patients with the disease have a difficult time breathing once the disease progresses past its initial stages. It is considered a very aggressive cancer, and is difficult to treat successfully if it is not caught early. Up to 60 years may pass between the time when a person is exposed to asbestos and the time when he or she begins showing symptoms.

The good news is that this type of lung cancer can be entirely prevented if exposure to asbestos is avoided. Those who have been exposed to asbestos already can reduce (only somewhat) their risk of developing mesothelioma by avoiding smoking and additional exposure.

Mesothelioma of the Abdomen

Some people who are exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma not in their lungs, but in the lining of their abdominal cavity. This condition often goes undiagnosed for several years, since the symptoms are quite non-specific and because people don't often associate abdominal cancers with asbestos exposure. Technically known as peritoneal mesothelioma, this form of cancer causes mild stomach discomfort, bloating, and the appearance of hernia-like bumps in the abdomen.

Late-stage peritoneal mesothelioma is hard to treat and often requires chemotherapy and radiation. If the disease does happen to be caught early, which is rare, removing the tumors surgically may be treatment enough.

Kidney and Bladder Cancers

Some researchers believe that asbestos exposure may also cause cancers of the kidneys and bladder. One study followed a group of shipyard workers who were regularly exposed to asbestos and found that they were more likely to die from kidney and bladder cancers than those who did not work with asbestos. However, further studies are needed to learn more about these associations and the mechanisms by which asbestos causes these types of cancer.

It is not known whether low-level exposure, such as that experienced by someone who lives in a home with asbestos, increases the risk of bladder, kidney, or brain cancer. However, it's best to assume the worst and seek medical attention if you've been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing signs of urinary tract cancer such as:

• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the lower back
• Yellowing of the skin
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever

As you can see, asbestos exposure can have some pretty nasty consequences. If you have asbestos in your home, be sure to have it removed by a fully trained and licensed asbestos removal team. Do not attempt to remove asbestos yourself. You may accidentally do more harm than good by loosening the fibers and increasing your exposure.