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The Link Between Exposure to Asbestos and Diseases Medical research has linked exposure to asbestos to several non-cancerous and cancerous diseases. These include lung cancer, pleural disease and asbestosis. Asbestos-containing materials may be exposed when they are disturbed and release fibers into the air. Avondale asbestos lawyer are then taken in and swallowed. Disease symptoms typically occur over a period of time following exposure. Symptoms Asbestos inhalation can cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma and pleural plaques. The reason is because the fibers can cause irritation to the lung. They can also cling to the cells that make up the lungs and remain there for a long period of time. It can take years to develop the conditions to develop after exposure to asbestos. People can be exposed asbestos in many ways, including when working with the material, during demolition, and while repairing or remodeling houses. This is because products containing asbestos are more likely to be disturbed and the tiny fibers could be released into the air. Inhaling asbestos fibers, they pass through the nose and mouth and are then carried into lung. These particles can't be filtered, so they accumulate in the lungs causing irritation and scarring. The body attempts to eliminate asbestos by producing more mucus. However this isn't always enough. Those who have been exposed to large quantities of asbestos have more asbestos in their lungs than people who haven't. In the most severe instances 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 problems, coughing and chest pain. Mesothelioma usually takes years to develop, and it is only diagnosed after exposure to asbestos. The most commonly reported sign of asbestos exposure is lung disease, particularly scarring of the lungs (asbestosis). This makes it more difficult to bring oxygen into and out of lung. X-rays and lung function tests are commonly used to detect it. It may also cause a blue skin tone due to lack of oxygen. Other signs include shortness of breath, chest pain and chronic coughing. If you have any of these symptoms and suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, contact your GP or local Veterans health service. If necessary, they can refer you to a specialist. Most people who are exposed to asbestos don't suffer from any serious illness, but it is important for your GP to know about your exposure history. Diagnosis When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed they release tiny fibres into the air. If inhaled, these fibers could lodge in lung tissue and cause serious diseases. This includes mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest cavity) as well as lung cancer and asbestosis. It can be difficult to recognize these conditions because they have an extended latency time which can last for 20 years or more for symptoms to appear. The first sign of trouble can be difficulty breathing or coughing. If you suspect you've been exposed to asbestos, and you are experiencing any symptoms, it's important to speak to your GP. Your doctor will ask you about your lifestyle and work and any family background. The doctor will conduct an examination using a stethoscope. They will listen to your lungs for any unusual noises. These sounds could be a sign of lung scarring due to asbestos exposure. The doctor may also suggest an X-ray of your chest or CT scan to gain more detailed information about the health of your lungs and determine the extent of any damage. The most frequently reported sign is breathing difficulty. It is caused by scarring of the lung tissues and the accumulation of fluid around the lung. A doctor will use a stethoscope listen for crackling sounds as you breathe. The doctor will also test your lung capacity and flow with an Spirometer. If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from asbestosis, he/ she will prescribe steroids to help reduce inflammation and speed up healing. Additionally, you will be taught breathing exercises at home. This will reduce your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Another possible symptom of asbestosis could be the pleural plaques, which are thick spots on the lining your lungs. Some of these can be calcified but not all. They aren't the same as mesothelioma or lung cancer and will not increase the risk of those conditions. Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that grows in the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma takes years to develop so symptoms are usually not recognized until a person is older. Treatment Asbestos exposure can lead to many serious diseases. Certain asbestos-related diseases are harmless however others can be fatal. This includes mesothelioma and lung cancer. Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities. Malignant mesothelioma usually occurs by asbestos exposure for a long time. Certain individuals are more at risk of developing malignant mesothelioma compared to others, however, those who have had minimal exposure can still get it. When asbestos-containing materials are handled improperly they may release microscopic fibres into the atmosphere. The fibers are small enough that they can be suspended in air and adhere to clothing, making it easier to inhale or swallow. These tiny, invisible fibers can be transported deep into the lungs where they can remain for years. They can also cause cancers and fibrotic lungs disease. The most frequent way that people are exposed to asbestos is through occupational exposure. The highest risk of exposure to asbestos is for workers in factories, mines and construction sites. However, those who work in older homes, schools or in the military might also be at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Some people are exposed asbestos by exposure to it from secondhand sources like from workers who handle it, or through home renovations that involve old pipes and insulation. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is found in huge natural deposits or as a contaminant in other minerals. Asbestos tremolite (also called blue asbestos) is found in vermiculite deposits and chrysotile. It has been used to make construction and household materials like flooring, shingles, cement and roofing. It is also used in the manufacture of brakes and clutches in automobiles. Your doctor will monitor your condition to determine if it is getting worse. Your doctor might conduct breathing tests, a chest X-ray or CT scan to determine how serious the condition is and how well your lungs function. You could be prescribed aerosol medication to thin the fluid in your lungs, oxygen via mask, or a respirator. Prevention The most effective method to prevent the spread of asbestos-related diseases is to not disturb asbestos containing materials (ACM). If ACM is left unaffected, it will function normally and not pose any health risk. If it is damaged in the course of demolition or renovation the tiny fibers could be released into the air. They could be inhaled, or consumed. Once the fibers have entered the body, they may cause damage to the lungs and organs. This can result in mesothelioma, or a progressive lung disease known as asbestosis. Mesothelioma and asbestosis do not happen caused by a single exposure they can result from repeated exposure, even at low levels of exposure over a span of years. People who contract illness from asbestos have typically been exposed to it frequently by direct contact or through a significant environmental exposure. Ship repair and construction tasks that require demolition or remodeling of old buildings and ships are the most dangerous. Other hazards include working in factories and mines that contain asbestos, as well as living with people who work with asbestos on a regular basis. Asbestos is a collection of naturally occurring minerals. It was widely used for its fire retardant and corrosion resistant properties. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged and the tiny fibers be released into the air. They can be ingested or inhaled. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scarring of the lungs, as well as other body parts. This could result in cancer. The signs and symptoms of asbestos exposure generally do not appear until 15-30 years after the initial exposure. This is why asbestos is regarded as a risk for the long-term. Asbestos, a hazardous substance, is still present in many older structures and military housing. Because of this it is essential that any asbestos-containing materials aren't touched, sampled or removed by anyone other than an authorized professional. It is crucial that asbestos-containing materials being maintained are stored in a closed, controlled environment to reduce the possibility of the fibers becoming airborne.