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 cancer, 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 signs of disease usually take years to appear after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Inhaling asbestos can lead to lung diseases like mesothelioma and pleural plaques. The reason for this is that the asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs. They can also adhere to the cells that compose the lungs and stay there for a long period of time.
Most times it takes years for these conditions to develop after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos can be ingested in a variety of ways, such as when working with asbestos or during demolition, or when renovating a house. Asbestos-containing materials are likely to be disturbed and release tiny fibers into the air.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers travel through the mouth and nose, and are 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 the asbestos by creating more mucus, but this isn't always enough. The people who have been exposed to large amounts of asbestos have more asbestos in their lungs than those who haven't.
In the worst cases exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleura) and the lining of the lower digestive tract. Mesothelioma can trigger severe and fatal symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. It typically takes a number of years for mesothelioma to develop and typically occurs after prolonged exposure to asbestos.
Asbestosis is the most frequent sign of asbestos exposure. This makes it more difficult to obtain oxygen into and out of the lung. It is usually diagnosed using x-rays or a lung function test. The lack of oxygen can cause a blue-ish skin tone.
Other symptoms include breathlessness or chest pain, and persistent coughing. If you have any of these symptoms and suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past, contact your GP or local Veterans' health service. They can refer you to a specialist in the event of need. Most people who are exposed to asbestos don't suffer serious illnesses, but your GP should be aware of your past.
Diagnosis
When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed they release tiny fibers into the air. Once inhaled, these may become entangled in lung tissue, causing numerous serious illnesses. They include mesothelioma and lung cancer and asbestosis.
It can be difficult to diagnose these ailments due to the fact that they have a long latency period that can take 20 years or more for symptoms to appear. The first sign of trouble could be difficulty breathing or a cough. If Tustin asbestos lawyers suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos and you're experiencing any of the symptoms, it's important to speak to your GP.
The doctor will inquire about your lifestyle and work along with any family background. Then he or she will conduct an examination using a stethoscope to listen to your lungs for any unusual sounds. These sounds can indicate scarring of the lungs due to asbestos exposure. The doctor may also recommend a chest X-ray or CT scan to get more in-depth information regarding your lung health and to determine the extent of any damage.
The most frequent sign is breathing difficulty. The condition is caused by scarring in the lung tissues, as well as the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. A doctor will use a instrument to listen for crackling sounds when you breathe. They will also test the capacity of your lungs and flow using a spirometer.
If your doctor suspects that you suffer from asbestosis, he or she will prescribe steroids to help reduce inflammation and speed healing. The doctor will also provide you with breathing exercises you can do at home. This will help reduce your symptoms and increase your quality of life.
Another symptom that could be indicative of asbestosis are pleural plaques that are thick spots that line the lining of your lungs. Some of them may be calcified, but not all. They're not mesothelioma or lung cancer, nor can they increase your risk.
Mesothelioma, a rare cancerous form that affects the abdomen's lining and lung is a rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma develops over a long period of time and symptoms are typically not discovered until later in life.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure can cause a number of serious diseases. While some asbestos-related illnesses are not harmful, some can be fatal. This includes lung cancer and mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma can develop on the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities. Malignant mesothelioma typically results from long-term exposure to asbestos. Certain individuals are more at risk of developing malignant mesothelioma than others, but even those who have had a minimal exposure to asbestos can still develop it.
If asbestos-containing materials are handled improperly, they can release microscopic fibres into air. These fibers are tiny enough to be able to float in air and stick to clothing, allowing them to be swallowed or inhaled. These tiny invisible fibers can penetrate deep into the lungs, and remain there for a long time. They can also trigger cancer and fibrotic lung disease.
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 exposure. People who work in homes that are older or in schools and those who work in the military could also be exposed to asbestos. Some people are exposed asbestos through second-hand exposure like from workers who handle it or through home renovations that include old pipes and insulation.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It can be found in huge natural deposits or as a contaminant in other minerals. Asbestos Tremolite (also known as blue asbestos) is found in deposits of vermiculite and chrysotile. It has been used to create building and household materials such as flooring, shingles, cement and roofing. It is also a common ingredient in car brakes, clutches and transmission parts.
Your doctor will monitor your condition to determine if it worsens. Your doctor will perform breathing tests, chest X-rays or CT scans to determine the severity of your condition and how you're doing. You may be prescribed aerosol medicines to thin the fluids in your lungs, oxygen by mask, or a ventilator.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent asbestos related diseases is to never disturb asbestos containing materials (ACM). If ACM is left undisturbed it can continue to function normally and not pose any health risk. If it is disturbed by renovation or demolition the microscopic fibers can become airborne and are able to be inhaled or ingested. When the fibers are introduced into the body, they may cause damage to the lung and other organs, resulting in mesothelioma as well as a progressive lung disease known as asbestosis. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis aren't caused by a single exposure but they can be triggered by repeated exposure, even at low levels of exposure over a period of time.
People who get sick from asbestos have typically been exposed to it frequently by direct contact or an extensive environmental exposure. Construction and ship repair jobs that involve demolition, remodeling or renovation of old ships and buildings are the most hazardous. Other risk factors include living with someone who is regularly working with asbestos or who works in asbestos mines or factories.
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 microscopic fibers can become airborne and inhaled or consumed. Inhaling asbestos fibers may cause scarring in the lungs and other body parts. This can cause cancer.
The signs of asbestos exposure generally are not evident until 15 to 30 years after the first exposure. As a result, asbestos is considered to be a long-term danger.
Asbestos is a dangerous material that is still present in many old buildings, schools and military housing. It is imperative that no one other than licensed professionals does not take, remove or touch any asbestos-containing materials that are suspected. It is important that asbestos-containing products that are being maintained are stored in a closed, controlled environment to reduce the risk of the fibers becoming airborne.