The Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos isn't a danger unless the microscopic fibres become airborne. People who work with asbestos or smokers, as well as those suffering from lung diseases are at the highest risk.
Secondhand exposure can occur when workers bring home asbestos particles on their clothing, shoes and hair, or when launderers cleaning their work clothes with asbestos. This kind of exposure could also affect family members.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos breaks up or is disturbed, it releases tiny fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled. Once inhaled these fibers can cause irritation to the lung tissue and become stuck in the lung. This can lead to scarring of the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It can make it difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide to flow into and out of the lung. This can cause serious and life-threatening health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestosis usually occurs after prolonged exposure to asbestos. The most commonly reported symptom of asbestosis is difficulty breathing. Other signs include chest pain, coughing and a bluish hue on the skin due to lack of oxygen. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can be a threat to the linings of the chest cavity, lungs or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed after 30 to 40 years of exposure. It tends to be fatal.
A medical examination is recommended for those who have been exposed to asbestos. A doctor will decide whether further testing is required depending on the patient's work background, as well as other factors. This may include chest X-rays as well as the CT scan or lung function test.
A chest CT scan can detect changes in the lungs associated with asbestos exposure. However, these changes aren't always evident to the patient. They can, however, be detected by doctors who specialize in asbestos-related diseases.
Symptoms of lung disease related to asbestos exposure can take years to develop, so many people don't know they are affected until it is too late. In addition to lung fibrosis, possible symptoms of asbestos exposure include a shortness of breath and chest pain or belly or a persistent cough, fever and weight loss.
People who have been exposed to asbestos should be given the flu and pneumonia vaccine. This can help keep respiratory infections at bay, which could worsen their health. It is also recommended to wash their hands frequently to reduce the chance of contracting an infection. They should be part of support groups for those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses.
Treatment
Asbestos may cause a variety of health problems. The severity of health problems depends on how long and what type of asbestos the person has been exposed to. It can lead to respiratory diseases like asbestosis and pleural effusions. It could also cause mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen. It can also cause cancers of the gastrointestinal system and kidneys.
Your physician will recommend treatment options to control symptoms and prevent complications, if you've been diagnosed as having an asbestos-related illness. These treatments may include procedures and medications like occupational therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation and lung transplants. There are many support groups you can join to discuss your symptoms and concerns.
People who have been exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time are at risk of developing a number of health conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as asbestosis. Smokers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, since smoking cigarettes can cause irritation to the lung tissue. Latency period is the duration it takes for symptoms to manifest.
Chest pain and breathing problems are the first symptoms of asbestos exposure. The scarring in the lungs can cause difficulty breathing. As the condition progresses, symptoms may get worse and people may experience breathlessness even when they are at in a relaxed state. They may also experience fatigue, fever and weight loss.
Asbestosis isn't curable However, certain treatments can ease symptoms and improve quality of life for those suffering from the disease. Doctors may prescribe aerosol medicine to thin lung fluids and a person who has severe symptoms may receive oxygen through an in-nose tube.
Regular blood tests and X rays can be used to monitor the condition and detect any issues. It is crucial to follow a good diet and exercise to keep one healthy. It is also important to not over-stress because it can make the symptoms worse.
Diagnosis
The most common sign of asbestos exposure is difficulty in breathing. This is due to the fact that microscopic asbestos fibers can stay in the lungs for a long time, even after the exposure has ended. Since the lungs weren't designed to remove foreign materials, they became irritated over time. This condition is called asbestosis or pulmonary fibroids. The symptoms of asbestos poisoning can last for up to forty years to manifest. This is one of the reasons why asbestos exposure is often not detected for so long, even by people who work with it regularly.
When asbestos is released into the air, the tiny fibers can be breathed in. Arlington asbestos lawsuits of them will be swept away or coughed up in mucus, but certain types will escape this system and lodge deep within the lung. This could lead to a number of diseases that affect lung function. This includes lung cancer and mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that targets the mesothelium lining of the organs.
In its initial stages, lung cancer caused by asbestos is difficult to detect because it may resemble other illnesses, such as chronic chest pain, coughing and weight loss. Additionally, the risk of lung cancer increases the more someone is exposed to asbestos and other carcinogens like cigarette smoke.
Asbestosis typically develops a few years after the initial exposure. It is diagnosed by an examination of the medical history, chest x-rays or CT scans, as well as tests for lung enzymes. Asthma sufferers may be at a higher risk of developing asbestosis.
The most serious asbestos-related disease is mesothelioma. It develops in the lung linings as well as internal organs. It can also develop in the larynx and ovaries. Patients with a history of exposure to asbestos are more prone to develop this kind of cancer, as is mesothelioma, which attacks the interior of the intestines as well as the stomach. It may take several years for mesothelioma to develop. This is why it is important that those who have a history of asbestos exposure have regular health exams.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many homes and buildings constructed prior to 1970 still have asbestos pipes or floor tile. They generally pose no risk so long as they are unaffected. These materials become an health risk when they're damaged or deteriorated. This is because they release tiny asbestos fibres into the air, which can then be inhaled or consumed. The health risks are extremely high and it is essential to have asbestos-containing substances that could be to be inspected, tested, or removed by a professional.
Asbestos fibers are only a cause of disease when inhaled, eaten and then absorbed into lung tissue. This can cause diseases, including mesothelioma asbestosis or lung cancer (scarring of the lungs). Symptoms of these illnesses are usually not evident until years after initial exposure.
It is the primary occupational exposure that leads to asbestos based diseases. Asbestos exposure can be found in a variety of jobs, such as mine workers, insulation contractors, construction workers, asbestos abatement workers and maintenance and custodial workers. Even if workers are properly trained and are wearing personal protective equipment, they could be exposed to asbestos if the material is damaged or disturbed in any way to release the microscopic fibers into the air.
The symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses can develop between 15 and fifty years after exposure. This is known as the latency period.
Rainwater can expose people to asbestos via the water path. This could result from contaminated water from eroding natural land sources or the discarded cement or mining pipe. Ingestion can also happen accidentally by eating food items contaminated with asbestos like clams or other seafood that has been washed with polluted water.
The greatest asbestos threat is currently for workers who are involved in the demolition and repair of structures that may contain asbestos as well as those who handle contaminated waste. The most at risk are those who were involved after the September 11 attacks in New York City and those involved in cleanup, rescue and recovery efforts. When working with asbestos, it is recommended that people wear full-body protection clothing and use a quality face mask. It is important that those working with asbestos have adequate ventilation.