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Women and Asbestos Exposure

When discussing asbestos, we normally talk about men and mesothelioma or other asbestos related problems. The main reason is that men were more likely to be in constant contact with asbestos through blue-collar jobs. These jobs included construction, insulators, and even firefighters. However, there are women who also have mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. The trend of women having more asbestos related illnesses has risen over the years. Women being exposed to asbestos comes from different scenarios.

Asbestos transfers easily from one place to the next. If floats easily through air, clothing, and even skin. Men who had jobs where asbestos was used, normally brought the fibers home on their clothing and skin. Women and children were exposed daily to small amounts of asbestos fibers from family. Women and children would hug their loved ones or do laundry, and become exposed. Sadly, asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to show up. Once you are exposed, asbestos doesn’t disappear. It stays in your system. Years after being exposed, women began to have lung and respiratory issues. They also were diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is a cancer caused by asbestos fibers. Many were confused as to why women were getting illnesses from asbestos. After further research, it was found how dangerous asbestos fibers were. It was also seen how easily asbestos could transfer from one person to the next.

If you lived or were in contact with a worker who likely was exposed to asbestos, you should be checked out by a doctor immediately. Even if you do not have symptoms, you should be checked! Asbestos could be doing damage to your body without you knowing. Asbestos is known as a silent killer, mainly because you cannot see it and it takes over your body without any symptoms. A doctor will be able to start treatment quickly if you have been exposed and hopefully, save you from years of miserable respiratory problems.

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