Can asbestos cause death?
On One Hand: Asbestos Causes Health IssuesExposure to asbestos can cause long term health problems, including difficulty breathing and lung inflammation. Asbestos also is a human carcinogen, as determined by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the EPA. Asbestos may cause cancer, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. These cancers can be fatal.On the Other: Cancer Studies InconclusiveA link between asbestos and cancers of the colon, gastrointestinal system, throat, gallbladder, and others has been claimed, but not proven conclusively in studies. In addition, symptoms may not appear for decades after exposure to asbestos, making it difficult to clearly link the resulting cancer or disease with asbestos.Bottom LineCaution is advised when handling materials containing asbestos.
