The Link Between Exposure to Asbestos and Diseases

Medical research has shown that asbestos exposure is linked to a range of non-cancerous as well as malignant illnesses. These include lung cancers, pleural disease and asbestosis.


Asbestos-containing substances can be exposed when disturbed and release fibers into the air. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed. It may take a long time for symptoms to show up.

Symptoms

Inhaling asbestos fibers may cause lung diseases like mesothelioma or pleural plaques. The reason for this is that the asbestos fibers irritate the lung. They can also adhere to the cells that comprise the lungs and remain there for a long period of time.

Durham asbestos attorneys of the time it takes a long time for these conditions to manifest following exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is ingested in many ways, such as when working with asbestos, or during demolition, or when renovating a home. Asbestos-containing products can be agitated and release tiny fibers into the air.

Inhaling asbestos fibers, they pass through the mouth and nose and get carried into the lungs. These particles can't be filtered and therefore, they build up in the lungs causing irritation and scarring. The body attempts to eliminate asbestos by producing more mucus, but it's not always enough. Those who are exposed to high levels of asbestos have more in their lung.

In the most severe cases of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma could develop. This rare cancer affects the lung linings and the lower digestive tract. Mesothelioma causes severe and often fatal symptoms, including breathing difficulties, coughing, and chest pain. Mesothelioma is a condition that can take years to develop and is only diagnosed after exposure to asbestos.

The most common result of exposure to asbestos is lung disease, particularly scarring of the lung (asbestosis). This makes it harder to draw oxygen to and out of the lungs. X-rays and lung function tests are frequently used to detect it. A lack of oxygen may cause a bluish skin color.

Other signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, and constant coughing. If you have any of these symptoms and believe you've 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 in the event of need. Most people who are exposed to asbestos do not suffer from serious diseases, however your GP should be aware of your past.

Diagnosis

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they release tiny fibers into air. Once inhaled these fibers can be absorbed into lung tissue and cause serious health issues. They include mesothelioma (cancer of the chest cavity's lining), lung cancer and asbestosis.

It can be difficult to diagnose these conditions due to their a long latency period which can last for 20 years or more for symptoms to be evident. The first sign of trouble could be breathing problems or coughing. If you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos and you are experiencing any symptoms, it's important to speak to your GP.

The doctor will inquire about your work and lifestyle and also your family history. The doctor will then use an stethoscope to listen to your lungs to hear if there are any abnormal sounds. These could suggest that your lungs have been affected by asbestos exposure. The doctor may recommend a chest CT scan or X-ray to determine extent of any damage and obtain more information about the condition of your lungs.

The most common sign of asbestosis is difficulty breathing. The condition is caused by scarring in the lung tissues, and fluid buildup around the lung. A doctor will use a stethoscope to listen for crackling sounds when you breathe. The doctor will also test your lung capacity and flow with an Spirometer.

If your doctor suspects you suffer from asbestosis, he or she will prescribe steroids to help reduce inflammation and speed up healing. They will also provide you with breathing exercises to do at home. This will help ease your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.

Pleural plaques are another possible asbestosis-related symptoms. These are thick patches on the lining your lung. These can be calcified, but most are not. They are not mesothelioma or lung cancer, neither do they increase your risk.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that grows in the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma takes years to develop and symptoms are typically not noticed until older age.

Treatment

Asbestos can cause serious diseases. Some asbestos-related diseases are benign however others can be fatal. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are two of the most prevalent. Malignant mesothelioma develops on the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities. Malignant mesothelioma typically results from long-term exposure to asbestos. Malignant mesothelioma can affect anyone even those with little asbestos exposure.

If asbestos-containing materials are handled improperly they can release microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers are so small that they can hang in the air and stick to clothing, making them easy to inhale or swallow. These tiny, invisible fibers are able to travel deep into the lungs where they can stay for years. They can also cause various other illnesses such as cancer and fibrotic lung diseases.

The most common method by which people are exposed to asbestos is through occupational exposure. Workers who worked in mines factories, construction sites and shipyards are at the greatest risk of being exposed. But people who work in older homes, schools or in the military could also be at risk of exposure to asbestos. Some people are exposed asbestos through second-hand exposure, such as from workers who handle it, or through home renovations that include old pipes and insulation.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally. Asbestos can be found as a natural mineral in large deposits or as an 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 household and building materials, like roofing flooring, shingles, flooring, and cement. It is also used in the manufacture of brakes and clutches for automobiles.

If you are diagnosed with one of these asbestos-related ailments Your doctor will be monitoring you to see if the condition worsens. Your doctor will perform breathing tests, chest Xrays, or CT scans to determine the severity of your condition and how well you are functioning. You may be prescribed aerosol medicine to thin the fluids in your lungs, oxygen by mask, or ventilator.

Prevention

Do not disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACM). ACM is able to perform normally and not pose a risk to health if it is not disturbed. If it is damaged in the course of demolition or renovation, the microscopic fibres can be released into the air. They can be inhaled, or consumed. Once the fibers get into the body, they may cause damage to the lung and other organs, leading to mesothelioma and a progressive lung disease called asbestosis. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other lung diseases are not caused by a single exposure. They can develop as a result of repeated exposures even at low levels, over many years.

People who get sick from asbestos are usually exposed to it regularly via direct contact or through a significant environmental exposure. Construction and ship repair tasks that require demolition, remodeling or renovation of old structures and ships are among the most hazardous. Other dangers include living with someone who works with asbestos or works in asbestos mines or factories.

Asbestos is made up of a variety of naturally occurring minerals. It was extensively used due to its fire retardant and corrosion resistant properties. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed and the tiny fibers become airborne. They can be ingested or inhaled. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can move through the lungs as well as other parts of the body and cause scarring that eventually leads to cancer.

The signs of asbestos exposure generally don't manifest in the 15-30 years after the initial exposure. Therefore, asbestos is regarded as a long-term danger.

Asbestos, a dangerous substance, can still be found in many old structures and military housing. It is crucial that any person not a licensed professional does not remove, touch or sample any asbestos-containing material that is suspected of being present. It is also critical that any asbestos containing materials which are in the process of being maintained be kept in a sealed and controlled area to limit the risk of the fibers becoming airborne.