Is Technology Making Exposure To Asbestos Better Or Worse?
The Link Between Exposure to Asbestos and Diseases
Medical research has found a link between exposure to asbestos to several non-cancerous and cancerous diseases. These include lung cancers, pleural disease and asbestosis.
Asbestos-containing substances can be exposed when they are disturbed by air, releasing fibers. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed. It can take many years for symptoms to show up.
Symptoms
Inhaling asbestos can lead to lung diseases like pleural plaques and mesothelioma. The fibers can cause irritation to the lungs. They may also stick to the cells of the lungs for a long period of time.
Most of the time it takes a long time for these conditions to manifest after an asbestos exposure. Asbestos can be consumed in many ways, such as when working with asbestos, or during demolition, or while renovating a home. The reason for this is that products that contain asbestos are likely to be disturbed and the tiny fibers may be released into the air.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers travel through the nose and mouth and are then carried into lung. These particles can't be filtered, so they accumulate in the lungs causing irritation and scarring. The body attempts to eliminate asbestos by producing more mucus. However it isn't always enough. Those who are exposed to asbestos at high levels have more asbestos in their lung.
In the worst instances exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma to develop, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining of the lower digestive tract. Mesothelioma causes severe and often fatal symptoms, including breathing problems, coughing and chest pain. It normally takes many years for mesothelioma to develop and usually occurs after prolonged exposure to asbestos.
Asbestosis is one of the most prevalent symptoms that are associated with asbestos exposure. This makes it more difficult to get oxygen in and out of the lung. It is usually diagnosed using an x-ray or a lung function test. It can also cause a blue tinge to the skin, due to a lack of oxygen.
Other symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and chronic coughing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past, please contact your GP or the local Veterans' health service. They will be able to refer you to a specialist if necessary. Most people who are exposed to asbestos don't suffer serious diseases, however your GP should be aware of your history.
Diagnosis
When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed they release tiny fibres into the air. When inhaled, these fibers may lodge in lung tissue and cause serious diseases. These include mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
It can be difficult to recognize these conditions due to their long time to develop which can last for 20 years or more for symptoms to show up. The first indication that something is not right could be breathing problems or a constant cough. If you suspect you've been exposed to asbestos and you are experiencing any of the symptoms, it's crucial to talk to your GP.
The doctor will inquire about your life and work and any family history. The doctor will then use an stethoscope to listen to your lungs to hear if there are any abnormal sounds. These can suggest that your lungs have been affected by asbestos exposure. The doctor may suggest a chest CT scan or X-ray to determine extent of any damage. You can also get more details about your lung condition.
The most commonly reported symptoms of asbestosis are difficulty breathing. It is caused by scarring of the lung tissues and an accumulation of fluid around the lung. A doctor will use the stethoscope and listen for crackling sounds when you breathe. A spirometer is used to assess the lung capacity and flow.
If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from asbestosis, he/ will prescribe steroids to decrease inflammation and speed healing. The doctor will also provide you with breathing exercises to do at home. This will reduce your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
Pleural plaques are another possible asbestosis symptoms. These are thick patches on the lining your lungs. They may be calcified however, most aren't. These are not the same as mesothelioma or lung cancer and don't increase the risk of these diseases.
Mesothelioma, an uncommon cancerous form that affects the abdomen's lining and lungs is a rare form of cancer. It takes a long time for mesothelioma's development, so most people don't show symptoms until they are older.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure can cause a number of serious diseases. While some asbestos-related diseases are not serious, others can be fatal. They include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that grows in the chest lining and abdominal cavities. Malignant mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos for long periods of time. Malignant mesothelioma may affect anyone even those who have had minimal exposure to asbestos.
If handled improperly asbestos-containing materials can release microscopic fibers into air. These fibers are so tiny that they can hang in the air and stick to clothing, making them easy to swallow or inhale. These small invisible fibers can penetrate deep into the lungs and stay there for years. They can also trigger many other illnesses that include cancers and fibrotic lung diseases.
Occupational exposure is the most prevalent exposure to which people are exposed. People who worked in mines, factories, construction sites and shipyards are at most risk of exposure. However, those who work in older homes, schools, or the military may also be at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Some people have been exposed to asbestos indirectly because of their proximity to people who handled it as well as through home renovations and repairs that require old pipes and insulation.
Asbestos is naturally occurring. It can be found in large natural deposits or as a contaminant in other minerals. Asbestos Tremolite (also known as blue asbestos) is found in deposits of vermiculite and chrysotile. Baltimore asbestos lawyer has been used to make building and household materials like flooring, shingles, cement, and roofing. It is also an important ingredient in automobile brakes, clutches and transmission components.
If you're diagnosed with one of these asbestos-related conditions your doctor will follow you to determine if your condition gets worse. Your doctor will conduct breathing tests, chest Xrays, or CT scans to determine the severity of your condition and how well you are functioning. You could be prescribed aerosol medicine to thin lung fluids oxygen via mask or ventilator.
Prevention
The most effective method to prevent asbestos related diseases is to not disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACM). If ACM is left in its natural state, it will continue to function normally and not pose any health risk. If it is damaged in the course of demolition or renovation, the microscopic fibres can be released into the air. They could be inhaled or eaten. Once the fibers get into the body, they can cause damage to the organs of the lungs, as well as other organs, resulting in mesothelioma as well as a progressive lung disease known as asbestosis. Mesothelioma and asbestosis do not happen caused by a single exposure but can develop from repeated, even low levels of exposure over a number of decades.
People who become ill from asbestos are usually exposed to asbestos on a regular basis, often in a job that required direct contact or substantial environmental exposure. Construction and ship repair jobs involving demolition or remodeling of old ships and buildings are the most dangerous. Other hazards include working in factories and mines and living with people who work with asbestos on a regular basis.
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals. It was widely used for its fire-resistant and corrosion resistant properties. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged and the tiny fibers become airborne. They can then be inhaled or eaten. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can be absorbed by the lungs and other parts of the body and cause scarring that eventually leads to cancer.
The symptoms of asbestos exposure usually do not manifest themselves until 15-30 years after the initial exposure. As a result, asbestos is regarded as a long-term risk.
Asbestos is a hazardous material that is still found in a variety of old buildings, schools and military housing. This is why it is essential that any suspected asbestos containing materials are not touched, sampled or removed by anyone other than an authorized professional. It is important that asbestos-containing materials that are being maintained are kept in a sealed and controlled environment to minimize the chance of the fibers becoming airborne.