How Cancer Develops After Asbestos Exposure

14 Jul 2022

Since the late 1980s, asbestos has been banned from widespread use in construction. This is due to the fact that working with the substance is known to cause an aggressive type of cancer called mesothelioma. In this article, we take a brief look at how that happens, to again highlight the dangers of failing to adhere to asbestos regulations.

Let’s begin by providing some facts about asbestos & the problems it causes:

• Symptoms include coughing blood, chest pain and shortness of breath

• Prognosis depends largely on treatment & the stage it’s caught

• The 2 primary forms are known as ‘small cell’ and ‘non-small cell’

• It can develop 15-35 years after exposures 

So, How Is Cancer Caused By Asbestos?

Essentially, when a person breathes in the microscopic airborne fibres that are released when the substance is agitated, they find their way into lung tissue. There they become lodged and it’s believed that their presence causes changes to the DNA. This ‘mutation’ can then lead to the process of carcinogenesis, which is the beginning of cancer. 

The process can literally take decades to occur - hence the long latency period before symptoms are experienced. That said, it’s not 100% guaranteed that you will develop lung cancer if exposed during asbestos removal and disposal. The longer the exposure is, however, the greater the risk, with the following factors also having an influence:

• Personal genetics

• History of smoking 

• General health levels 

Far from being an issue that’s consigned to history, it’s a major danger in the workplace. Even in 2020 - some 30+ years after its banning - more than ⅓ of all occupational lung cancer cases were caused by asbestos. It’s why it’s so important to treat the substance with the utmost respect and take the necessary steps to ensure everyone in the vicinity is protected.

Always Call The Professionals Before Doing Anything 

Just a single exposure to asbestos fibres can be enough to cause a person to develop lung cancer later in life, so a safety-first approach is always needed when it’s suspected that the material exists in the workplace. If in any doubt, give the professionals a call. 

At OHSS, our experts can help with aspects like asbestos air monitoring, asbestos surveys and guidance on remaining compliant with all regulations.

If you’d like to know more about us and the full range of occupational hygiene services that we offer, simply visit us today at www.ohss.ie. Alternatively, to speak directly to a member of our team about anything discussed here, give us a call on 01 6905907 today. 

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