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A 33-year-old member asked:

How harmful is asbestos?

1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Paul Darby
Occupational Medicine 30 years experience
Depends on the type.: The are various types of asbestos, depending on the chemical makeup and fiber size/shape. Some types seem to be more harmful than others, but all types should be considered harmful and carcinogenic. Asbestos can cause serious lung disease (asbestosis) or deadly cancer of the lung or abdomen (mesothelioma). Smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly raises the lung cancer risk.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. David Lipkin
Internal Medicine 54 years experience
The following websites on Asbestos and health risks may be helpful: http://bit.ly/1Kmjxoz and http://1.usa.gov/1RWiJcu
Feb 2, 2016

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A 35-year-old member asked:

What is asbestos?

1 doctor answer5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mazen Ghani
Radiology 26 years experience
Asbestos: Is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Ralph Morgan Lewis
A Verified Doctor commented
A US doctor answered Learn more
formerly used in brake linings as well
Jul 23, 2012

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Last updated Feb 2, 2016
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