The Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos poses no risk unless the tiny fibers break down and become airborne. The asbestos-related workers, smokers, and those suffering from lung diseases are at greatest risk.

Secondhand exposure can occur when workers bring home asbestos-containing particles on their shoes, clothing and hair, or by cleaning their work clothes with asbestos. Family members can also be affected by this kind of exposure.

Symptoms

Asbest releases fibers into the air when it is broken apart or disturbed. These can be inhaled by people who are near. After inhalation these fibers may get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation to the lung tissue. This can lead to scarring of the lungs, called asbestosis. It can also make it difficult for carbon dioxide and oxygen to flow into and out of the lungs. This can cause serious and life-threatening issues such as lung cancer and asbestosis.

Asbestosis usually occurs after prolonged, prolonged exposure. The most common symptom of asbestosis is difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include coughing, chest pain and a blue-tinged tinge on the skin as a result of a the lack of oxygen. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can affect the linings of the chest cavity, lungs or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed after 30 to 40 years of exposure. It tends to be fatal.

People who have been exposed to asbestos should consult their doctor for a medical examination. Based on the person's work background and other factors, the doctor will determine whether further testing is required. This may include chest X-rays or the CT scan, or a lung function test.

A chest CT scan can reveal changes in the lungs caused with asbestos exposure, however these changes may not be noticeable to the patient. These changes can be identified by doctors who are experts in asbestos-related diseases.

Symptoms of lung disease related to asbestos exposure can take a long time to develop, so many people don't realize they're affected until it is too late. In addition to lung fibrosis potential signs of asbestos exposure are shortness of breath and chest pain or belly or a persistent cough, fever and weight loss.

People who have been exposed to asbestos should get a vaccine against pneumonia and flu. This can help to keep respiratory infections at bay, which could cause health problems. They should also wash hands often to lower the chance of getting an infection. They should be part of support groups for those suffering from asbestos-related diseases.

Treatment

Asbestos can cause a number of health issues. The severity of these issues depends on the type of asbestos and how long a person was exposed to it. It can cause respiratory diseases like asbestosis and pleural effusions. It can also lead to mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen. It can also cause cancer of the gastrointestinal tract as well as kidneys.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, your medical team will recommend treatments that can help control symptoms and prevent complications. These treatments can include procedures and medications like occupational therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation and lung transplants. Lawrence asbestos attorney can also join support groups to discuss your symptoms.

People who have been exposed over an extended period of time to asbestos are at the risk of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. Smokers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses because cigarette smoke irritates lung tissue. The time it takes for symptoms to appear.

The earliest symptoms of asbestos exposure are usually breathlessness and chest pain. These are the result of the scarring that causes damage to the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. As the disease progresses, symptoms can get worse and people can experience breathing problems even when they are at in a relaxed state. There is also the possibility of fatigue, fever and weight loss.

Asbestosis is not curable However, certain treatments can help ease symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. Doctors may prescribe aerosol medicines to thin lung fluids and those who has severe symptoms may receive oxygen through the nose through a tube.

Regular blood tests and X-rays can be used to monitor the condition, and to identify any complications. Exercise and a healthy diet can keep one in good health. Stress can exacerbate symptoms and so it is crucial to stay clear of it.

Diagnosis

The most frequent sign of asbestos exposure is difficulty breathing. This is because microscopic asbestos fibers can be buried in the lungs for a long time, even after the exposure has ended. Since the lungs weren't designed to eliminate foreign substances they developed irritation over time. This condition is referred to as asbestosis, or pulmonary fibrous. The symptoms of asbestos poisoning can take up to forty years to appear. This is why exposure to asbestos is often not noticed by those who work in the field regularly.


When asbestos is released into the air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled. The majority of them will be swept away or sucked up in mucus. However, some will go through this process and lodge deep within the lungs. This can result in a variety of diseases that reduce lung function. This includes lung cancer and mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that attacks the lining of organs internal to them, called the mesothelium.

In its initial stages, lung cancer caused by asbestos is difficult to recognize because it can be a symptom of other diseases, like chronic chest pain, coughing and weight loss. In addition, the risk of lung cancer is increased the more a person is exposed to asbestos and other carcinogens, like cigarettes.

Asbestosis develops over a period of years after initial exposure and is usually diagnosed with a medical exam, work history, chest xray or CT scan, and tests for lung enzymes. Those with asthma may have an increased risk of developing asbestosis.

The most serious asbestos-related illness is mesothelioma. It is a cancer that develops in the linings of the lungs and 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 type of cancer, as well as mesothelioma, which affects the intestinal lining and stomach. It may take several years for mesothelioma's development. Therefore, it is essential that people with a history asbestos exposure have regular health exams.

Prevention

Many homes and buildings built before 1970 contain components like asbestos pipes and floor tiles that are still in good condition. As long as these materials aren't disturbed, they pose no health risk. These materials become an health risk when they are damaged or deteriorated. This is because they release tiny asbestos fibres into the air, which can then be inhaled or ingestion. The health risks are very high and it is important to have asbestos materials that may be suspected examined, tested, or removed by a professional.

Asbestos fibers only cause disease when they are inhaled, consumed and deposited in lung tissue. This can trigger a variety of diseases including mesothelioma (lung cancer), asbestosis (scarring on the lung), and more. Symptoms of these illnesses don't usually appear until several years after exposure.

Asbestos-related illnesses are mostly caused by occupational exposure. Asbestos exposure is common in a variety of jobs, such as mine workers, insulation contractors, construction workers, asbestos abatement and maintenance and custodial workers. Workers are still exposed to asbestos even though they wear personal protective equipment and are properly trained.

The symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses can appear between 15 and fifty years after exposure. This is called the latency period.

In addition to occupational exposure, it is also possible for people to be exposed via the water system through drinking water that is contaminated with asbestos due to erosion of natural land sources or due to mill tailings or mining wastes that are discarded or disintegration of asbestos cement pipe that is carried by rainwater. Ingestion can also occur through the consumption contaminated food like clams, or other seafood that have been washed in the contaminated water.

The greatest asbestos threat is currently present for those who are involved in the demolition and repair of structures which may contain asbestos and who handle waste that is contaminated. The most at risk are those who were involved following the September 11 attacks in New York City and those involved in the cleanup, recovery, and rescue efforts. It is recommended that people wear full-body protection and wear a top quality face mask when working with asbestos. Those who work with asbestos must also be provided with adequate ventilation.