10 Facts About Asbestos Exposure That Will Instantly Make You Feel Good Mood
The Risks of Asbestos Exposure Asbestos isn't dangerous unless the tiny fibres become airborne. The asbestos-related workers smokers, asbestos workers, and those with lung conditions are at greatest risk. Second-hand exposure can result from workers bringing home asbestos particles in their footwear, clothing or hair, or laundering facilities that wash their clothes with asbestos. Family members may also suffer from this type of exposure. Signs and symptoms Asbest releases fibers into the air when it is broken apart or disturbed. These fibers can be inhaled. When inhaled the fibers could be trapped in the lungs and cause irritation to the lung tissue. This can lead to scarring of the lungs, which is known as asbestosis. This can make it harder for CO2 and oxygen to flow into and out of the lungs. This could lead to serious and life-threatening health conditions such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestosis typically occurs following heavy, long-term exposure. The most commonly reported sign of asbestosis is difficulty breathing. Other signs include coughing, chest pain, and a blue-tinged tint on the skin due to lack of oxygen. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura) or the abdominal cavity's lining (peritoneum) is a possibility in people with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed after 30 to 40 years of exposure and tends to be fatal. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should consult their doctor for a medical examination. Based on the person's employment history and other factors a doctor can decide if any additional testing is required. This may include chest X-rays, a CT scan, or a lung function test. Bakersfield asbestos lawyer can detect changes in the lungs caused with asbestos exposure, but these changes are not always noticeable to the patient. These changes can be spotted by doctors who are experts in asbestos-related illnesses. Symptoms of lung disease related to asbestos exposure can take a long time to develop, which is why many people don't know they're affected until it's too late. In addition to lung fibrosis, other possible signs of asbestos exposure are shortness of breath and chest pain or belly, a persistent cough, fever and weight loss. People who have been exposed to asbestos should get a flu and pneumonia vaccine. This will help prevent respiratory infections that can worsen their health issues. They should also wash hands often to lower the chance of getting an infection. They should also join a support group for people suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Treatment Asbestos can cause a variety of health problems. The severity of these problems depends on the type of asbestos and how long a person was exposed to it. It can trigger respiratory diseases like asbestosis and pleural effusions. It is also a cause of mesothelioma, an uncommon cancer that affects the linings of the chest and abdomen. It can also cause cancers of the gastrointestinal system as well as kidneys. Your doctor will recommend treatment options to treat symptoms, and prevent complications, if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. These treatments can include treatments and medications such as pulmonary rehabilitation, occupational therapists and lung transplants. There are also a variety of support groups you can join to discuss your symptoms and concerns. People who have been exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time are at risk of developing a range of health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Smokers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses because cigarette smoke irritates lung tissue. The symptoms of these health problems can take between 10 and 20 years to develop, which is known as the latency period. The initial signs of asbestos exposure are usually chest pain and breathlessness. These are a result of the scarring that causes damage to the lung and makes it difficult to breathe. As the disease progresses, symptoms could get worse and people can become breathless even when they are at rest. They may also experience fatigue, fever and weight loss. Asbestosis cannot be treated however certain treatments can alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for sufferers. Doctors can prescribe aerosol medication to thin the fluids within the lung. A patient with severe symptoms may also receive oxygen through an in-nose tube. Having regular blood tests and X-rays will aid in monitoring the condition and identify any complications. It is important to have an appropriate diet and exercise, as this can help keep one healthy. Stress can cause symptoms to worsen and it is essential to stay clear of it. Diagnosis The most common symptom of asbestos exposure is difficulty breathing. The reason for this is that asbestos fibers which are microscopic can remain in the lungs for years after exposure. As the lungs were not designed to remove foreign materials they developed irritation over time. This condition is called asbestosis or pulmonary the disease fibrosis. It can take as long as 40 years for someone to develop symptoms of asbestos poisoning. This is one of the reasons why asbestos exposure can go unnoticed for so long, even by people who were exposed to it regularly. When asbestos is released into the air, tiny fibers are able to be inhaled. The majority of the fibers will be removed by mucus or coughed, but some will bypass the system and become lodged in the lungs. This could lead to various ailments that affect the function of the lungs. These include lung cancer as well as mesothelioma, which is a fatal cancer that targets the lining of internal organs also known as the mesothelium. In its early stages lung cancer caused by asbestos is difficult to identify because it can be a symptom of other diseases, including chronic coughing, chest pain, and weight loss. Additionally, the risk of lung cancer is increased the more one is exposed to asbestos and other carcinogens, such as cigarette smoke. Asbestosis is a condition that develops over a period of years following exposure to asbestos and is usually detected through an examination by a doctor, a work history, chest x-ray CT scan, and tests for lung enzymes. Those with asthma may have an increased chance of developing asbestosis. The most severe asbestos-related disease is mesothelioma. It develops in the lung linings as well as internal organs. It can also form in the larynx and ovaries. Patients with a history of exposure to asbestos are more prone to develop this kind of cancer, as is mesothelioma which targets the intestinal lining and stomach. Mesothelioma is a cancer that can take a long time to develop, which is why it is crucial for those with had a history of asbestos exposure to have routine health exams. Prevention Many buildings and homes built prior to 1970 still contain asbestos pipes or floor tiles. Generally, these materials pose no risk so long as they are unaffected. When they are damaged or become deteriorated do they pose a health risk through the release of tiny asbestos fibers into the air that can be breathed in and consumed. When this occurs, the health risks are significant and it's crucial to have any suspected asbestos materials inspected, tested or removed by certified professionals. Asbestos fibers are only able to cause a disease when they are inhaled or ingested, and then become lodged in the lung tissue. This can result in a variety of diseases, including mesothelioma lung cancer or asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). The signs of these illnesses are usually not evident until several years after the initial exposure. It is the most common occupational exposure that causes asbestos based diseases. Asbestos is present in many occupations which include mine workers, insulation contractors, and construction workers. Even if workers have been properly trained and wear personal protective equipment, they can still be exposed if the material is disturbed or damaged in any way to release the microscopic fibers into the air. The symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses can develop between 15 and fifty years after exposure. This is referred to as the latency period. In addition to occupational exposure, it's also possible for people to be exposed through the water system by drinking water that has been contaminated with asbestos due to erosion of natural land sources, or as a result of discarded mining or mill tailings or the disintegration of asbestos cement pipes that is carried by rainwater. Ingestion may also occur accidentally by eating food items contaminated with asbestos like clams or other seafood that has been washed with polluted water. Currently, the greatest asbestos danger is to those who are involved in the demolition or repair of structures that may contain it and to those who work with waste that is contaminated. The most at risk are those who worked following the September 11 attacks on New York City, and those who are involved in rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts. When working with asbestos, it is recommended that people wear full-body protection clothing and use a quality face mask. It is important that people working with asbestos are adequately ventilated.