Symptoms of Asbestos Poisoning

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in insulation and other building materials until the late 1970s. Exposure to asbestos can cause diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma and other types of cancer. Asbestos enters the body through fibers that are inhaled or ingested. The symptoms of asbestos poisoning may not surface for years or decades after exposure.

Respiratory

• Respiratory problems come from breathing in asbestos fibers. Coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath and increased sputum or blood in sputum are types of respiratory symptoms caused by exposure to asbestos.

Stomach and Bowels

• Exposure to asbestos can cause abdominal pain and swelling. Bowel obstruction and nausea are also side effects of asbestos poisoning.

Fever

• Asbestos poisoning causes fever and night sweats. Abnormal weight loss is also common.

Hands

• Asbestos poisoning can cause abnormalities to the hands. The clubbing of fingers and nail abnormalities often occur.

Heart

• Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos that affects the membrane surrounding the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms are chest pains and being light-headed due to heart failure.