Yes. Breathing asbestos can lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma rarely develops in humans in any way other than the previous inhalation of asbestos fibers.
From Wikipedia:
The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis can be made with chest X-rays and a CT scan, and confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination. A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies. It allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (called pleurodesis), which prevents more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or sometimes surgery, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Research aboutscreening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.
Asbestos can cause:Pleural plaquesAsbestosisLung cancer andMesotheliomaAlthough each of these conditions can be caused by asbestos, one condition does not lead to another; each is independently caused by the presence of asbestos in the body.
lung cancer
lung cancer
lung cancer
Asbestos is highly toxic and dangerous when its fibers are released into the air and inhaled. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. It is important to take proper precautions when dealing with any materials that may contain asbestos to minimize the risk of exposure.
Vermiculite insulation may contain asbestos which is known to lead to cancer and breathing related problem do to breathing in the asbestos which will attack lungs.
breathed
lung cancer
Several substances have been banned or restricted because of inhalation worries. Hexavalent chromium - direct link to lung cancer Asbestos was briefly banned, but is still in production today* Lead based paint - more neurological problems, but a carcinogen nonetheless PCBs - many health problems including potent carcinogen There is also a very long list of banned pesticides, but most of these are responsible for neurological side effects, not cancer. *Australia has banned new asbestos production and use.
Genetic alterations that could lead to cancer.
A local contractor would not be able to determine if you have asbestos in your home. You would need a professional because a special microscope is needed. Asbestos is very dangerous and can lead to lung cancer and mesothiliomia.
Asbestos poisoning is a serious health risk. There are a number of symptoms associated with asbestos poisoning. Some of the symptoms are chest pain, coughing, coughing up mucous, and loss of appetite. Asbestos poisoning may lead to a type of cancer called Mesothelioma.