20 Fun Facts About Exposure To Asbestos
The Link Between Exposure to Asbestos and Diseases
Medical research has found a link between exposure to asbestos with a number of noncancerous and cancerous diseases. This includes lung cancer, pleural diseases and asbestosis.
Asbestos-containing materials can be exposed when disturbed, releasing fibers into air. The fibers are then breathed in or swallowed. It could take several years for symptoms to show up.
Signs and symptoms
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and pleural plaques. The asbestos fibers cause irritation to the lungs. They can also adhere to the cells that make up the lungs and remain there for a lengthy period.
It can take years to develop these conditions after asbestos exposure. Asbestos can be ingested in a variety of ways, such as when working with asbestos or during demolition, or while renovating a home. This is because the products that contain asbestos are more likely to be disturbed, and the tiny fibers may be released into the air.
Asbestos fibers are inhaled through the mouth, nose and the lungs. These particles can't be filtered, so they accumulate in the lungs causing irritation and scarring. The body tries to remove the asbestos by creating more mucus, however this isn't always enough. People who have been exposed to large quantities of asbestos have more asbestos in their lungs than those who haven't.
In the worst cases of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may develop. This rare cancer affects the linings of the lungs and lower digestive tract. Mesothelioma is a serious and often fatal symptoms, like breathing difficulties, coughing, and chest pain. Mesothelioma typically takes years to develop, and it is only diagnosed after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestosis is the most frequent sign of asbestos exposure. This makes it more difficult to get oxygen to and out of the lung. X-rays and lung function tests are commonly used to diagnose it. A lack of oxygen may cause a blue-ish skin color.
Other symptoms include breathlessness and chest pain, as well as constant coughing. If you have any of these symptoms and believe you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past, contact your GP or the local Veterans health service. If necessary, they can refer you to an expert. Most people who are exposed to asbestos don't suffer from any serious illness however it is essential to let your GP to be aware of your exposure history.
Diagnosis
When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they release tiny fibers into air. Once inhaled these fibers can get into the lung tissues and cause serious illnesses. This includes mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
These conditions are often difficult to diagnose due to their lengthy time of latency. It may take up to 20 years before symptoms appear. The first sign of trouble could be breathing problems or a cough. If you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos and you are experiencing any symptoms, it's important to speak to your GP.
Your doctor will inquire about your work and lifestyle and your family background. Then he or she will conduct an examination using a stethoscope. The doctor will listen to your lungs for any abnormal noises. These may be a sign that your lungs are affected by asbestos exposure. The doctor might recommend an X-ray of your chest CT scan or X-ray to determine extent of any damage. Bellevue asbestos lawyers can also get more information about your lung condition.
The most frequently reported sign is breathing difficulty. The condition is caused by scarring within the lung tissues, and the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. A doctor will use the stethoscope and listen for crackling noises as you breathe. A spirometer can be used to determine lung capacity and flow.
If your doctor suspects you suffer from asbestosis, he or will prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. They will also recommend breathing exercises that you can practice at home. This will help to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Pleural plaques can be another asbestosis sign. They are a thick layer that line your lungs. Some of these can be calcified, but not all. They are not mesothelioma and lung cancer, neither can they increase your risk.
Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that grows in the lung lining and abdomen. Mesothelioma can take years to develop so symptoms are not usually recognized until a person is older.
Treatment
Asbestos can cause serious diseases. While some asbestos-related diseases are not serious, others can be fatal. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two of the most frequent. Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the chest lining and abdominal cavities. Malignant mesothelioma usually occurs by exposure to asbestos for long periods of time. Malignant mesothelioma may affect anyone even those with little asbestos exposure.
If asbestos-containing substances are handled incorrectly they may release microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers are tiny enough to float in air and stick to clothing, allowing them to be inhaled or swallowed. These small, invisible fibers can travel deep into the lungs, and remain there for many years. They can also cause many other illnesses, including cancers and fibrotic lung diseases.
Occupational exposure is the most common way that people are exposed. Mine workers factories, construction sites and shipyards are at highest risk of being exposed. People who work in older homes or schools as well as military personnel, are also susceptible to asbestos. Certain people have been exposed to asbestos because of their proximity to those who handled it as well as through home renovations and repairs that require old pipes and insulation.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Asbestos can be found as an elemental mineral in large amounts or as an contaminant in other minerals. For example, tremolite asbestos (known as blue asbestos) can be found in deposits of chrysotile and vermiculite. It is used in the manufacture of household and building materials, such as roofing flooring, shingles, flooring and cement. It is also used in the production of brakes and clutches for automobiles.
If you are diagnosed with one of these asbestos-related conditions, your doctor will monitor you to determine if your condition becomes worse. Your doctor will use breathing tests, chest X-rays or CT scans to determine the severity of your condition and how well you're functioning. You could be prescribed aerosol medicine to thin the fluid in your lungs, oxygen through a masks, or a respirator.
The following is a list of preventatives.
The most effective method to prevent the spread of asbestos-related illnesses is to avoid causing disturbances to asbestos containing materials (ACM). If ACM is left undisturbed it will continue to perform as it should and not pose a health risk. If it is disturbed in the course of demolition or renovation microfibers may become airborne. They can then be inhaled or consumed. Once the fibers have entered the body, they could cause damage to organs and lungs. This could lead to mesothelioma or a lung condition called asbestosis. Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other lung diseases aren't caused by a single exposure. They can develop after repeated exposures even at low levels, for many years.
People who are sick due to asbestos have typically been exposed to it regularly, either through direct contact or a significant environmental exposure. Construction and ship repair jobs involving demolition and renovation or remodeling of old ships and buildings are the most hazardous. Other risk factors include living with someone who regularly works with asbestos or works in asbestos factories or mines.
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals. It was extensively used due to its fire-resistant as well as its corrosion-resistant and insulation properties in a variety of building and industrial materials. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged by the microscopically-sized fibres, they can become airborne. They can be inhaled or eaten. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can move through the lungs as well as other parts of the body and cause scarring that eventually can lead to cancer.
Symptoms from asbestos exposure generally are not evident in the 15-30 years after the initial exposure. Therefore, asbestos is considered to be an ongoing risk.
Asbestos, a hazardous substance, is still present in many old buildings and military housing. It is therefore important that any person not licensed professionals do not take, remove or touch any suspected asbestos-containing materials. It is important that asbestos-containing materials that are being stored in a closed, controlled environment to reduce the possibility of the fibers becoming airborne.