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. This includes lung cancers, pleural disease and asbestosis.
Asbestos-containing materials can be exposed when disturbed and release fibers into the air. The fibers are then breathed in or swallowed. The signs of disease usually take a long time to manifest after exposure.
Symptoms
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and pleural plaques. The asbestos fibers cause irritation to the lungs. They also stick to the cells that make up the lungs and stay there for a lengthy period.
The majority of the time it takes years for these conditions to manifest following exposure to asbestos. Asbestos can be consumed in a variety of ways, for instance as when working with asbestos, or during demolition or renovating a home. Asbestos-containing materials are likely to be agitated and release tiny fibers into the air.
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled through the nose, mouth and lungs. They are unable to be removed, which is why they build up in the lungs and cause irritation and scarring. The body attempts to remove asbestos by producing more mucus. However, this is not always enough. People who are exposed to asbestos in high amounts have more in their lungs.
In the most severe cases exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleura) and the lining of the lower digestive tract. Mesothelioma causes severe and often fatal symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, coughing, and chest pain. Mesothelioma usually takes years to develop and is diagnosed after asbestos exposure.
The most common symptom of asbestos exposure is lung disease, particularly scarring of the lung (asbestosis). This makes it more difficult to get oxygen into and out of the lungs. X-rays and lung function tests are commonly used to detect it. It can also cause a blue tint to the skin due to lack of oxygen.
Other symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, contact your GP or your local Veterans' health service. They will be able to refer you to a specialist when needed. Most people who are exposed to asbestos don't have serious diseases, however your GP should be aware of any history.
Diagnosis
When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed they release tiny fibers into the air. Once inhaled these fibers can lodge in lung tissue and cause serious diseases. They include mesothelioma and asbestosis and lung cancer.
It is often difficult to identify these conditions because they have long time to develop that can take 20 years or more before symptoms appear. The first sign of trouble can be difficulty breathing or coughing. If you suspect you've been exposed to asbestos, and you're experiencing any symptoms, it's essential to consult your GP.
Your doctor will ask you about your lifestyle and work, as well as any family history. The doctor will then employ a stethoscope and listen to your lungs to determine any unusual sounds. These may be a sign that your lungs are scarred from asbestos exposure. The doctor may also recommend an X-ray of your chest or CT scan to get more in-depth information regarding your lung health and to determine the severity of any damage.
The most frequently reported sign is breathing difficulty. The condition is caused by scarring within the lung tissues, and fluid accumulation around the lungs. A doctor will use the stethoscope and listen for sounds that crackle as you breathe. A spirometer can be used to measure the lung capacity and flow.
If your doctor suspects you have asbestosis he or will prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation and speed healing. He or she will also give you breathing exercises to do at home. This will reduce your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
Pleural plaques are a different asbestosis-related symptoms. They are a thick layer on the lining your lungs. These can be calcified, but most are not. These are not the same as mesothelioma or lung cancer and do not increase the risk of these conditions.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and abdomen. It takes a long time for mesothelioma's development and most people don't experience symptoms until they are older.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure can lead to many serious diseases. While some asbestos-related diseases are not serious, others can be fatal. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are two of the most common. Malignant mesothelioma is one type of cancer that develops in the chest lining and abdominal cavities. Malignant mesothelioma typically results from long-term exposure to asbestos. Malignant mesothelioma may affect anyone, even those with minimal exposure to asbestos.
If asbestos-containing materials are handled incorrectly they may release microscopic fibres into the air. Augusta asbestos lawyers are so tiny that they could float in air and stick to clothing, making it easy to inhale or swallow. These tiny fibers, which are invisible, can be transported deep into the lungs where they can stay for years. They can also trigger cancer and fibrotic lungs disease.
The most common way people are exposed to asbestos is through occupational exposure. Workers who worked in mines, factories, construction sites and shipyards are at the most danger of exposure. People who work in homes that are older or in schools as well as those who work in the military may also be exposed to asbestos. Certain people have been exposed to asbestos due to the proximity of people who handled it and also through home renovations and repairs that require old pipes and insulation.
Asbestos is naturally occurring. It is found in huge, natural deposits or as a contaminant in other minerals. Asbestos tremolite (also called blue asbestos) is found in deposits of vermiculite and chrysotile. It is used to create construction and household materials like flooring, shingles, cement and roofing. It is also used in the production of brakes and clutches for automobiles.
Your doctor will be monitoring your condition to determine if it worsens. Your doctor could conduct breathing tests, a chest X-ray, or CT scan to determine how severe the condition is and how well your lungs are functioning. You may be prescribed aerosol medication to thin the fluid in your lungs, oxygen via masks, or a respirator.
Prevention
Do not disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACM). If ACM is left undisturbed it will continue to function properly and pose no health risk. However, if it's disturbed by renovation or demolition the microscopic fibers can become airborne and can be inhaled or consumed. Once the fibers are in the body, they may cause damage to organs and lungs. This could lead to mesothelioma or a lung condition called asbestosis. Mesothelioma and asbestosis do not happen caused through a single exposure but can develop from repeated, even low levels of exposure over a span of time.
People who become ill from asbestos usually have been exposed to it regularly typically in a job that involved direct contact or a substantial exposure to the environment. The most intense exposures are usually found in construction and ship repair jobs that involve demolition, re-modeling or renovation of old structures and ships. Other hazards include working in asbestos mines and factories, as well as living with those who work regularly with asbestos on an ongoing basis.
Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that are naturally occurring. 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 disturbed, the tiny fibers can be airborne and be breathed in or ingested. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scarring in the lungs and other body parts. This can cause cancer.
The symptoms of asbestos exposure generally do not appear until 15-30 years after the initial exposure. This is why asbestos is regarded as a long-term danger.
Asbestos is a dangerous material that is still present in many old buildings, schools, 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 also crucial that any asbestos-containing material which are in the process of being maintained be in a sealed and controlled environment to minimize the chance of the fibers becoming airborne.