Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has been used in a variety of products over the years, including insulation and building materials. It has been linked to a number of serious health hazards, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos can cause health problems when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled or ingested.
The speed at which asbestos affects an individual depends on a variety of factors, including the type and amount of asbestos exposure, the individual’s age and overall health, and the type of asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a slow-acting toxin, meaning that symptoms of exposure may not show up for years after the initial exposure.
The most common symptom of asbestos exposure is an increased risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis. The latency period for these diseases can range from 10 to 50 years, depending on the amount and type of asbestos exposure.
In addition to these long-term effects, short-term effects of asbestos exposure may include irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. These short-term symptoms usually appear within a few hours or days of exposure and can include coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
In general, the effects of asbestos exposure can be divided into two categories: short-term and long-term. Short-term effects are typically seen within hours or days of exposure and may include irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Long-term effects can take years to appear and can include an increased risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.