Lung cancer and asbestos exposure have long been linked. However, due to the diesease’s extended latency period, many patients do not discover they have asbestos lung cancer until it’s too late to get effective treatment.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the earth. For over one hundred years, asbestos has been mined in the United States for its fire retardant and insulation properties. Its use continued even long after scientists knew of the link between lung cancer and asbestos exposure.

It has been used in many industrial, commercial and residential products, and even though asbestos use in the last several decades has declined significantly, it still remains a hazard. In the early part of the 20th century, asbestos was used in the production of such things as cement, millboard and paper, insulation for electronic wiring, roofing and flooring compounds, thermal insulation in homes and automotive and airplane clutches and brake pads. Asbestos has also been used widely in the railroad and shipping industries.

According to Asbestos.com, American demand for asbestos peaked in the early 1970s, at 804,000 tons nationally in 1973.

But as reports of lung cancer and asbestos exposure became more widespread and unions began to require safer working conditions for employees of affected industries, the call to regulate asbestos use began to take root.

Legislation was passed in the late 1970s and early 1980s to limit workers’ exposure to asbestos in the workplace. In the 1980s, regulations were put in place regarding asbestos abatement or removal.

Contrary to popular belief, asbestos is not banned in the United States, but regulations are strict on the use of and abatement of asbestos.

As far back as 1935, researchers have found a link between lung cancer and asbestos exposure. Since then, there have been multitudes of studies showing asbestos as a cause for lung cancer and mesothelioma.

By 1986, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) named lung cancer as the most significant workplace risk for those who work with asbestos.

When asbestos is disturbed, asbestos fibers are released into the air. If someone is exposed to this, these fibers can be breathed in and will lodge in the lungs. It is impossible for the lungs to expel the fibers once they have taken hold inside the lungs.

While inside the lungs, the asbestos fibers can cause cellular damage, inflammation and scarring. After many years, even up to 50 years, this prolonged damage can trigger the formation of tumors.

If you work in an industry that is considered high risk for asbestos exposure, you may be also be at risk for lung cancer. These industries include auto mechanics, construction workers, insulation installers, roofers, tilers, plumbers, paper mill workers, textile workers, sheet metal workers, toll collectors and linotype technicians.