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There is no question about whether asbestos exposure can lead to devastating health outcomes. Most people in South Carolina already know that exposure to this toxic substance can cause mesothelioma, but that is not all. Lung cancer and asbestosis are other diseases that victims may develop years or even decades after being exposed. Here is what victims may need to know about these diseases.

Frequently associated with smoking, nonsmokers who develop lung cancer may suspect that something else is behind their disease. However, those who have been exposed to asbestos develop lung cancer more frequently than mesothelioma. Lung cancer patients frequently experience chronic coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and wheezing. If a person who has been exposed to asbestos begins experiencing any of these symptoms, he or she should be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Asbestosis is another health problem associated with exposure to asbestos. Unlike lung cancer and mesothelioma, asbestosis is a cancer, but rather a type of pneumoconiosis. This disease causes lungs to develop scar tissue, which can cause trouble breathing and other lung-related issues. Symptoms can be similar to those of lung cancer, including coughing and chest pain. There is currently no cure for asbestosis, although certain treatments have shown to be effective at relieving symptoms and even slowing down the progression of the disease.

The emotional and physical toll of living with a fatal disease is devastating, not to mention the financial burden of seeking necessary medical treatment. This is why pursuing compensation from negligent parties can be essential for victims. While money cannot undo the harm caused by mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, just legal recourse can help victims in South Carolina address their related damages.