Are You Getting The Most Of Your Exposure To Asbestos?

The Link Between Exposure to Asbestos and Diseases

Medical research has linked exposure to asbestos to a number of noncancerous and cancerous diseases. These include lung cancer, pleural diseases and asbestosis.

The exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed and release fibers into the air. The fibers are then breathed in or swallowed. It could take several years before symptoms begin to manifest.

Symptoms

Inhaling asbestos can lead to lung diseases like pleural plaques and mesothelioma. The reason is because the fibers cause irritation to the lungs. They may also stick to the cells of the lungs for a long time.

The majority of the time it takes years for these conditions to manifest following exposure to asbestos. Asbestos can be ingested in a variety of ways, for instance as when working with asbestos, or during demolition or renovating a home. Asbestos-containing materials are likely to be disturbed and release tiny fibers into the air.

Asbestos fibers can be inhaled through the nose, mouth and the lungs. These particles aren't filtered and therefore, they build up in the lungs, causing irritation and scarring. The body attempts to remove 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 weren't.

In the worst instances exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma to develop, a rare cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleura) and the inner lining of the lower digestive tract. Mesothelioma can trigger severe and fatal symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. It usually takes a long time for mesothelioma's development and usually occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos.

The most common result of exposure to asbestos is lung disease, especially scarring of the lungs (asbestosis). This makes it harder to get oxygen in and out of the lungs. X-rays and lung function tests are commonly used to determine the cause. The lack of oxygen can cause a bluish skin color.

Other signs include breathlessness, chest pain and persistent coughing. If you experience 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 if necessary. The majority of people exposed to asbestos don't have serious illnesses, but your GP should be aware of your history.

Diagnosis

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed they release tiny fibers into the air. If inhaled, these fibers could lodge in lung tissues and cause serious illnesses. This includes mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

These conditions can be difficult diagnoses because of their long time to develop. It could take up to 20 years for symptoms to appear. The first sign of trouble can be breathing difficulties or coughing. This is the reason it's so important to consult your GP in the event that you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any symptoms.

Your doctor will ask about your job and lifestyle and also your family history. The doctor will then use a stethoscope and listen to your lungs to determine if there are any abnormal sounds. These sounds could be a sign of scarring of the lungs from asbestos exposure. The doctor may also suggest a chest X-ray or CT scan to obtain more specific information about your lung health and determine the severity of any damage.

The most frequent symptom of asbestosis is difficulty breathing. It is caused by scarring of lung tissues and a build-up of fluid around the lungs. A doctor will use the Stethoscope to listen for crackling sounds as you breathe. A spirometer is used to assess the lung capacity and flow.

If your doctor suspects you are suffering from asbestosis, he/ she will prescribe steroids to decrease inflammation and speed healing. Additionally, you will be taught breathing exercises at home. This will help to alleviate your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

Another symptom that could be indicative of asbestosis are the pleural plaques, which are thick spots that line the lining of your lungs. They can be calcified however, the majority of them aren't. They are not mesothelioma or lung cancer, nor do they increase the risk.

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that develops in the lung's lining and abdomen. It takes years for mesothelioma's development and most people don't show symptoms until they are older.

Treatment

Asbestos can trigger serious health issues. While some asbestos-related diseases are benign, others can be fatal. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are two of the most common. Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that grows in the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities. Malignant mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure for a long time. Certain individuals are more at risk of developing malignant mesothelioma compared to others, however, even those who have had minimal exposure can still get it.

If handled improperly, asbestos-containing materials can release microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers are tiny enough to float in the air and stick to clothing, allowing them to be swallowed or inhaled. These tiny invisible fibers can travel deep into the lungs and stay there for many years. They can also trigger cancer and fibrotic lungs disease.

Occupational exposure is the most frequent exposure to which people are exposed. People who worked in mines factories, construction sites, and shipyards are at the greatest risk of exposure. Students who work in schools or older homes as well as military personnel, may also be exposed to asbestos. Certain people are exposed to asbestos by exposure to it from secondhand sources, such as from workers who handle it, or through home renovations that include old pipes and insulation.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Asbestos can be found as natural mineral in large quantities or as a contaminant in other minerals. For example, tremolite asbestos (known as blue asbestos) can be found in chrysotile deposits and vermiculite. It is used to create construction and household materials like cement, shingles, flooring, and roofing. It is also used in the manufacture of brakes and clutches in automobiles.

If  asbestos lawsuit settlements  are diagnosed with one of these asbestos-related ailments, your doctor will monitor your condition to determine if the condition becomes worse. Your doctor might conduct breathing tests, chest X-ray or CT scan to determine how severe the condition is and how your lungs are working properly. You could be prescribed aerosol medications to thin the fluids in your lungs oxygen via mask or ventilator.

Prevention

Do not disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACM). ACM can function normally and pose no health risk in the event that it is not disturbed. However, if it is affected by demolition or renovation the microscopic fibers are airborne and are able to be inhaled or consumed. Once the fibers get into the body, they may cause damage to the lung and other organs, resulting into mesothelioma and a progressive lung disease called asbestosis. Mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as other lung diseases are not caused by a single exposure. They can develop after repeated exposures, even at low levels, for many years.

People who are sick due to asbestos have usually been exposed to asbestos regularly, either through direct contact or through a significant environmental exposure. The most severe exposures are typically found in ship repair jobs that involve demolition, re-modeling or renovation of old buildings and ships. Other hazards include working in asbestos mines and factories and living with someone who works with asbestos on a regular basis.

Asbestos is made up of a range of minerals that are naturally occurring. It was extensively used due to its fire-resistant and corrosion resistant properties. When asbestos-containing materials are agitated by the microscopically-sized fibres, they can be released into the air. They can then be inhaled or eaten. When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can travel throughout the lungs and other areas of the body and cause scarring that eventually can lead to cancer.

The signs of asbestos exposure generally do not appear in the 15-30 years after the initial exposure. Because of this, asbestos is considered to be a long-term danger.

Asbestos is a hazardous material that is still present in many old structures, schools and military housing. This is why it is important that asbestos-containing materials are not handled or removed by anyone other than an authorized professional. It is important that asbestos-containing products that are being maintained be kept in a sealed, controlled environment to limit the chance of the fibers becoming airborne.