Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been used in homes and commercial buildings since the late 1800s. Unfortunately, when a product containing asbestos is disturbed, it releases microscopic fibers into the air. If you inhale these fibers, they can become trapped in your lungs, accumulating over a long period of time. Asbestos build-up in the lungs can lead to inflammation, internal scarring, and other health problems – including the development of lung cancer.
After many years – in some cases, decades – the asbestos fibers can cause enough cellular damage and irritation to stimulate the formation of a cancerous tumor. Ultimately, whether you develop lung cancer or mesothelioma will depend on a few different factors, including:
- Genetics
- Smoking habits
- Overall health
- Duration and concentration of exposure
The size of the asbestos fibers has an impact on where they become lodged in your lungs, which in turn influences whether mesotheliomaor lung cancer end up developing. Researchers believe that 3mm fibers are more likely to become lodged in your lungs’ lining, whereas 5mm fibers tend to become lodged in the lung tissue. The latter increases your risk of developing lung cancer rather than mesothelioma.
If you have further questions about asbestos and lung cancer, please contact The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP today or call (410) 625-9330 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Baltimore asbestos attorneys. We serve patients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.
