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 diseases, and asbestosis.
The exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, releasing fibers into the air. The fibers are then breathed in or swallowed. The symptoms of the disease typically occur over a period of time following exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Inhaling asbestos can cause lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and pleural plaques. This happens because the fibers can cause irritation to the lung. They also can adhere to the cells of the lungs for a long time.
It can take years to develop these ailments to manifest after 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 house. This is because products containing asbestos are likely to be smashed, and the tiny fibers could be released into the air.
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled through the nose, mouth 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. The people who have been exposed to a large amount of asbestos have more asbestos in their lungs than those who weren't.
In the most extreme instances exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma to develop, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the interior of the lower digestive tract. Mesothelioma can cause severe and sometimes fatal symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, coughing, and chest pain. Mesothelioma usually takes years to develop and is diagnosed after asbestos exposure.
The most frequent symptom of asbestos exposure is lung disease, especially scarring of the lung (asbestosis). This makes it harder to get oxygen into and out of the lung. It is often diagnosed by an x-ray or a lung function test. It can also cause a bluish tint to the skin because of the lack of oxygen.
Other signs include shortness of breath and chest pain, as well as persistent coughing. If you have any of these symptoms and believe you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, contact your GP or local Veterans health service. They will be able to refer you to a specialist if necessary. Most people who have been exposed to asbestos do not have any serious health issues however it is essential to let your GP to be aware of the history of exposure.
Diagnosis
When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they release tiny fibers into the air. If inhaled, these fibers could get into the lung tissue and cause serious health issues. This includes mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
These conditions are often difficult to diagnosis due to their long time to develop. It can take up to 20 years before symptoms be evident. The first indication that something isn't right can be breathing problems or an ongoing cough. This is the reason it's so important to talk to your GP if you think you've been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any of the symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your work and lifestyle along with any family background. The doctor will then use an stethoscope to listen to your lungs to determine if there are any abnormal sounds. These sounds could be a sign of scarring of the lungs due to asbestos exposure. The doctor may also suggest a chest X-ray or CT scan to get more in-depth information regarding the health of your lungs and determine the extent of any damage.
The most frequent symptoms are breathing difficulties. It is caused by scarring of the lung tissues and an accumulation of fluid around the lungs. A doctor will use a instrument to listen for sounds that crackle as you breathe. They will also test your lung capacity and flow with a spirometer.
If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from asbestosis, he/ will prescribe steroids to help reduce inflammation and speed up healing. They will also give you breathing exercises to do at home. This will alleviate your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Pleural plaques are another possible asbestosis sign. These are large patches on the lining of your lung. Some of these can be calcified, but not all. They are not mesothelioma and lung cancer neither can they increase your risk.
Mesothelioma, an uncommon cancerous type that affects the abdomen's lining and the lungs is a rare form of cancer. Lakewood asbestos lawyer can take years to develop and symptoms are typically not discovered until later in life.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure can trigger many serious diseases. Some asbestos-related diseases are benign however others can be deadly. They include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the chest lining and abdominal cavities. Malignant mesothelioma typically results from long-term exposure to asbestos. Some people are more at risk of developing malignant mesothelioma more than others, but even those who have experienced only a small amount of exposure to asbestos may still be affected.
When asbestos-containing materials are handled incorrectly they can release microscopic fibers into the atmosphere. The fibers are small enough that they can be suspended in air and adhere to clothing, making it easy to inhale or swallow. These small invisible fibers can penetrate deep into the lungs and remain there for a long time. They can also cause cancer and fibrotic lungs diseases.
Exposure to occupational hazards is the most frequent exposure to which people are exposed. The highest risk of asbestos exposure is for those working in factories, mines and construction sites. People who work in homes that are older or in schools, as well as military personnel, could also be exposed to asbestos. Some people are exposed to asbestos by exposure to it from secondhand sources, such as from workers who handle it, or through home renovations that involve old pipes and insulation.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Asbestos can be found as a natural mineral in large amounts or as a contaminant in other minerals. For example, tremolite asbestos (known as blue asbestos) can occur in deposits of chrysotile and vermiculite. It is used in the production of home and building materials like cement, shingles, flooring and roofing. It is also a common ingredient in automobile clutches, brakes, and transmission parts.
Your doctor will monitor your condition to determine if it worsens. Your doctor will use breathing tests, chest X-rays, or CT scans to determine the severity of your condition and how well you're doing. You may be prescribed aerosol medications to thin your lung fluids or oxygen through a mask or a ventilator.
Prevention
The most effective way to avoid the risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses is to avoid causing disturbances to asbestos-containing materials (ACM). If ACM is left undisturbed it can continue to function properly and pose no health risk. If it is disturbed during demolition or renovation the tiny fibers could become airborne. They could be inhaled or consumed. Once the fibers enter the body they can damage the lung and other organs, resulting in mesothelioma as well as a progressive lung disease called asbestosis. Mesothelioma and asbestosis do not happen caused by a single exposure, they can result from repeated exposure, even at low levels of exposure over a number of decades.
People who are ill due to asbestos typically have been exposed to it regularly usually in a position that involved direct contact or substantial environmental exposure. Construction and ship repair jobs that involve demolition and renovation or remodeling of old ships and buildings are the most hazardous. Other dangers include living with someone who is regularly working with asbestos or works in asbestos factories or mines.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals. It was widely used for its fire-resistant and corrosion resistant properties. When these asbestos-containing materials are disturbed the tiny fibers can be airborne and be inhaled or ingested. Inhaling asbestos fibers may cause scarring in the lungs and other body parts. This can cause cancer.
The signs of asbestos exposure generally do not appear for 15 to 30 years after the first exposure. Therefore, asbestos is considered to be an ongoing risk.
Asbestos, a hazardous material, is still found in many old structures and military housing. It is crucial that any asbestos-containing materials are not handled, sampled or removed by anyone other than an accredited professional. It is important that asbestos-containing materials that are being maintained are kept in a sealed, controlled environment to limit the chance of the fibers becoming airborne.