Exposure to asbestos leads to the development of asbestosis, a serious and chronic lung disease characterized by scarring and inflammation. Those affected may experience persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and a decrease in lung function.
In the past, asbestos was a common component in many construction materials and applications, particularly in buildings constructed before the mid-1970s. This mineral, valued for its fire-resistant, insulating, and strengthening properties, was used in various materials such as joint compounds and patching materials, insulation materials, ceiling and floor tiles, cement mixtures, fireproofing materials, sound absorption materials, plasters, paints, and coatings.
One of the most concerning aspects of asbestos is its potential to cause harm when it is in dust form. Inhalation of these fibres can lead to a lung disease known as asbestosis, a progressive condition that worsens over time. Symptoms may not appear for up to 20 years after exposure and include shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness, a persistent cough, blood in sputum, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the neck or face, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and clubbed fingertips.
When a person is diagnosed with asbestosis, a treatment management program is recommended, which can include pulmonary rehabilitation exercises and oxygen therapy. However, it's important to note that there is no cure for asbestosis, and the damage it does to the lungs is irreversible.
People who have had asbestos exposure are also at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the membrane surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the abdomen as well.
Before federal restrictions on asbestos use began in the early 1970s, it was also used in high-temperature insulation products and hospital construction. Despite early warnings about health risks, asbestos use continued in various construction elements at least until the late 1970s in some regions.
Today, asbestos use is highly regulated in the United States, but most cases of asbestosis occur due to people being unaware of its dangers at the time of exposure. If you are concerned about your risk of asbestosis, it's recommended that you speak to a doctor as soon as possible. They can diagnose asbestosis using tests such as physical examination, medical history, simple breathing tests, job history, biopsy, and chest X-ray.
If asbestos is discovered in your home, you can hire an inspector to test it, and if necessary, a specialist to remove it. It's important to note that asbestos fibres do not evaporate into the air or dissolve in water, making proper handling and removal crucial.
Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and the survival rate within 1 year of diagnosis is less than 50%. People who have had asbestos exposure are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The ALA states that asbestos exposure alone is enough to consider getting regular CT scans to screen for lung cancer.
In conclusion, while asbestos was once widely used in construction materials due to its beneficial properties, its potential health risks have led to its regulation and the development of awareness campaigns. If you suspect asbestos exposure or symptoms related to asbestosis, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and potential testing.
- Asbestosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, can lead to various symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and clubbed fingertips.
- If a person has been diagnosed with asbestosis, treatment management programs may include pulmonary rehabilitation exercises and oxygen therapy, but it's crucial to understand that there is no cure for asbestosis.
- mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure, can potentially affect the lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity or the abdomen.
- Before the 1970s, asbestos was used extensively in high-temperature insulation products and hospital construction, despite early warnings about its health risks.
- Today, asbestos use is highly regulated in the United States, but many cases of asbestosis still occur due to past unawareness of its dangers.
- To determine if you have asbestosis, a doctor may perform tests like physical examination, medical history, simple breathing tests, job history, biopsy, and chest X-ray.
- People who have had asbestos exposure are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, and regular CT scans may be considered for screening purposes, according to the ALA.
