Exposure to Toxins
Pulmonary Treatment at Washington Township Medical Foundation
Pulmonary disorders and conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disorder (COPD) can be caused by exposure to toxins in the environment.
This includes asbestos, chemical fumes, and tobacco smoke. If you inhale
a large amount of toxins, you could sustain irreparable lung damage. It
is important to be aware of potentially harmful toxins in your environment
and how to protect your lungs.
Asbestos & Lung Cancer
Asbestos is a leading cause of lung damage. Asbestos is a naturally occurring
mineral that was used in construction and other purposes for decades before
its harmful affects were realized. Individuals who worked in industries
such as construction and shipbuilding, as well as members of the United
States Armed Forces prior to the mid-1980s, may have been exposed to this
harmful toxin, along with people who live and work in older buildings
where asbestos is present. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled lodge in the
lungs, causing scarring and long-term damage.
Common conditions associated with asbestos include:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
Tobacco Smoke & Pulmonary Disorders
Tobacco smoke is an extremely dangerous carcinogen. Even secondhand smoke
can cause serious health effects. 90% of COPD sufferers are current or
former smokers. In fact, smokers are 12 to 13 times more likely to be
killed by COPD. Other conditions caused by smoking include lung cancer.
Learn more about
smoking cessation.