Asbestos exposure has been attributed to being a root cause for many types of health complications, with some being more serious than others. Many of these complications affect the respiratory system and can impact breathing and lung function. Mesothelioma symptoms (i.e. chronic cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing) are often similar to other respiratory ailments. Therefore, it is important to discuss specific situations with mesothelioma doctors, especially for those individuals who have a known asbestos-exposure history. Specialists, like Dr. David Sugarbaker and others, can help make an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis.

Even though asbestos was once considered a �miracle mineral�, it was apparent since the days of the Holy Roman Empire that asbestos exposure caused severe pulmonary problems. Even centuries ago, naturalists like Pliny the Elder noted that the slaves who mined asbestos suffered from �sickness of the lungs� and died at an early age.

Asbestos diseases did not garner widespread attention until the early to mid-1900s when asbestos use was at its peak with more and more individuals developing illnesses due to exposure to this toxic mineral. Primarily used as insulation, asbestos was also added to a myriad of other manufactured goods, including a wide variety of building products.

Although researchers do not fully understand why some individuals develop asbestos diseases and others do not, evidence points to the fact that length and intensity of exposure may have something to do with it. Experts do agree with the fact that no amount of asbestos exposure is safe.

Because they affect the lungs and inhibit breathing, living with an asbestos disease can be quite difficult. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma patients will require certain procedures or treatments that serve to lessen symptoms of the disease and aim to improve quality of life. Unfortunately, however, both diseases eventually claim the lives of their victims.

Most individuals who�ve developed asbestos diseases were exposed to the mineral without knowing it was toxic. Though many employers knew of the dangers of asbestos, many continued to use it without regard for employees� health and never provided masks or other gear that may have prevented inhalation of asbestos fibers. This negligence has negatively impacted not only the lives of thousands of victims but their loved ones as well.