Skip to main content

Lynn Brantley

Blog entry by Lynn Brantley

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 cancer, pleural disease and asbestosis.

Exposure occurs when asbestos-containing substances are disturbed and release fibers into the air. These fibers are then swallowed and inhaled. It can take many years for symptoms to show up.

Signs and symptoms

justice-lawyers-businesswoman-in-suit-or-lawyer-w-2023-05-09-21-23-20-utc-1-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1
Inhaling asbestos can cause lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and pleural plaques. The reason is because the fibers irritate the lungs. They can also cling to the cells that compose the lungs and stay there for a long time.

The majority times it takes a long time for these conditions to develop following exposure to asbestos. People can be exposed asbestos in a variety of ways, including when working with the material, during demolition work, and when renovating or repairing homes. Asbestos-containing products can be agitated and release tiny fibers into the air.

Inhaling asbestos fibers, they travel through the mouth and nose, and get carried into the lung. These particles can't be filtered, so they accumulate in the lungs causing irritation and scarring. The body attempts to remove asbestos by producing more mucus, however this isn't always enough. The people who are exposed asbestos in high amounts have more asbestos in their lungs.

In the most severe cases, exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma to develop, a rare cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleura) and the interior of the lower digestive tract. Mesothelioma is a serious and often fatal symptoms, such as breathing problems, coughing and chest pain. Mesothelioma typically takes years to develop and is only diagnosed after asbestos exposure.

The most commonly reported result of exposure to asbestos is lung disease, especially scarring of the lung (asbestosis). This makes it harder to get oxygen into and out of the lungs. It is usually diagnosed using lung function tests or x-rays. test. It may also cause a blue skin tone because of the lack of oxygen.

Other signs include chest pain, shortness of breath and chronic coughing. If you experience any of these symptoms and believe 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 your past.

Diagnosis

When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed they release tiny fibres into the air. If inhaled, these fibers could be absorbed into lung tissue and cause serious health issues. These include mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

These conditions can be difficult diagnoses because of their long latency period. It could take up to 20 years for symptoms to be evident. The first sign of trouble can be breathing problems or coughing. If you suspect you've been exposed to asbestos and you are experiencing any symptoms, it's essential to consult your GP.

Your doctor will ask you about your work and lifestyle, as well as 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 can indicate lung scarring due to asbestos exposure. The doctor may recommend a chest CT scan or X-ray scan to determine the extent of any damage and get more details about the condition of your lungs.

The most commonly reported sign of asbestosis is difficulty breathing. The condition is caused by scarring in the lung tissues and fluid buildup around the lungs. A doctor will use the instrument to listen for sounds that crackle when you breathe. The doctor will also measure your lung capacity and flow using the Spirometer.

If your doctor suspects that you have asbestosis he or will prescribe steroids to help reduce inflammation and speed up healing. You will also be given breathing exercises at home. This will reduce your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.

Another possible symptom of asbestosis is pleural plaques which are thick, swollen spots that line the lining of your lungs. They may be calcified however, most aren't. They're not mesothelioma and lung cancer nor do they increase the risk.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma can take years to develop and symptoms are typically not noticed until older age.

Treatment

Asbestos is a risky substance that can cause serious illnesses. Certain asbestos-related illnesses are benign however others can be fatal. These include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that develops in the chest lining and abdominal cavities. Malignant mesothelioma usually occurs by asbestos exposure for a long time. Malignant mesothelioma can affect anyone even those who have had minimal exposure to asbestos.

When asbestos-containing materials are handled incorrectly, they can release microscopic fibers into the atmosphere. These fibers are so tiny that they are able to be suspended in air and adhere to clothing, making it easier to swallow or inhale. These tiny, invisible fibers can travel deep into the lungs and stay there for years. They can also cause cancers and fibrotic lungs diseases.

The most frequent way that 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 exposure. People who work in older homes or schools and those in the military, are also susceptible to asbestos. Certain people have been exposed to asbestos indirectly due to their proximity to people who handled it as well as through home renovations and repairs that involve old pipes and insulation.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally. It can be found in huge, natural deposits or as a source of contamination in other minerals. For instance, tremolite as (known as blue asbestos) can occur in chrysotile deposits and vermiculite. It is used in the production of building and household materials like cement, shingles, flooring, and roofing. It is also a common ingredient in car brakes, clutches, and transmission components.

If you're diagnosed with one of these asbestos-related diseases your doctor will follow you to determine if your condition worsens. Your doctor will perform breathing tests, chest X-rays or CT scans to determine the severity of your condition and how you're functioning. You could be prescribed aerosol medications to thin lung fluids oxygen via mask or a ventilator.

Prevention

The most effective method to prevent the spread of asbestos-related illnesses is to avoid causing disturbances to asbestos-containing materials (ACM). ACM is able to perform normally and not pose a health risk if it is not disturbed. However, if it's disturbed by renovation or demolition the microscopic fibers can become airborne and can be breathed in or ingested. When the fibers are introduced into the body, they may cause damage to the lungs and other organs, leading to mesothelioma and eventually a lung disease called asbestosis. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis aren't caused through a single exposure they can result from repeated or even minimal levels of exposure over a number of years.

People who develop illness due to asbestos typically have been exposed to asbestos regularly usually in a position that involved direct contact or exposure to a significant amount of environmental. The most severe exposures are typically encountered in ship repair jobs which involve demolition, re-modeling, or renovation of old buildings and ships. Other dangers 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 and corrosion resistant properties. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged, the microscopic fibres can be released into the air. They can be inhaled or eaten. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can be absorbed by the lungs as well as other parts of the body and cause scarring that eventually causes cancer.

The signs and symptoms of asbestos exposure typically do not show up until 15-30 years after the initial exposure. As a result, asbestos is regarded as an ongoing risk.

Asbestos, a dangerous material, is still found in many older structures and military housing. asbestos exposure by mos is therefore important that no one other than licensed professionals does not touch, sample or remove any asbestos-containing material that is suspected of being present. It is crucial that asbestos-containing products that are being maintained be stored in a closed, controlled environment to minimize the possibility of the fibers becoming airborne.