Breathing in asbestos fibers causes many illnesses. When it’s disturbed or destroyed, minute particles get discharged into the air. If inhaled, the fibers get lodged in the lungs, causing inflammation, scarring, and illness over time.
Asbestos is a hazardous chemical that should be avoided at all costs. People who come into contact with it do not necessarily have health issues. Various factors affect the risk of disease, such as:
- The amount of asbestos in the air.
- How frequently and for how long are you exposed?
- How long has it been since you were first exposed?
- Whether the individual has any existing lung or breathing problems, and
- Whether or not the individual is a tobacco smoker.
Four primary diseases caused by Asbestos exposure
- DISEASE OF THE PLEURA
Pleural plaques and pleural thickening are benign disorders that damage the lungs’ outer membrane (the pleura). These are tiny scarring patches on the pleura that get thick over time. They are typically the size of a coin and can affect one or both lungs. They get hard and more calcified with time. Pleural thickening may cause the lungs to become constrained and make them unable to expand, resulting in dyspnea.
- MESOTHELIOMA
Mesothelioma is a malignancy of the lungs or the abdomen’s lining, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Research and Information about Mesothelioma reveal that each year, around 2500 instances of mesothelioma are found in the United Kingdom. It is projected that this number will continue to rise in the following several years. Treatment for mesothelioma has been restricted in the past, but new medications are developing that may improve symptoms and survival.
- ASBESTOSIS
Asbestosis is pulmonary (lung) scarring produced by breathing asbestos fibers or dust, often induced by workplace exposure. It’s a non-cancerous (benign) condition. The body’s response to asbestos fibers damages the lungs’ delicate air sacs, making it more difficult for oxygen to enter the circulation and perhaps causing dyspnea.
Unfortunately, asbestos-related lung damage is irreversible and may worsen over time. Asbestosis increases your chances of developing lung cancer.
- CANCER OF THE LUNGS
According to Cancer Research UK, Lung cancer was the third most prevalent cancer diagnosed in the UK in 2014. Since smoking is the leading cause, it is advised to quit it if you want to live. Your doctor or local “stop smoking” programs may help you quit smoking. However, more than 10% of lung cancer patients have never smoked. It is well known that asbestos exposure increases your chances of acquiring lung cancer.
The following advice is for anyone concerned about asbestos exposure.
People who are worried about asbestos exposure should get medical advice from their doctor or another medical professional. The doctor will determine if more testing is required based on the person’s comprehensive exposure, medical history, and physical condition.
Asbestos cannot be removed from the lungs after exposure. Preventing future damage to the respiratory system may reduce the likelihood of illness developing or decrease the progression of a disease that has already developed. Asbestos exposure prevention recommendations include the following:
- Getting frequent medical examinations
- Vaccinating against the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia regularly
- reducing the risk of asbestos exposure
- Smoking cessation
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