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The Risks of Asbestos Exposure Asbestos poses little danger unless the microscopic fibers break down and become airborne. The most at risk include people working with asbestos, smokers, and those who have pre-existing lung conditions. 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. This kind of exposure could also affect family members. Symptoms Asbest releases fibers in air when it is broken or disturbed. These can be inhaled by people who are near. After inhalation the fibers could get stuck in the lungs, causing irritation to lung tissue. Asbestosis, or scarring of lungs can result. This can make it difficult for oxygen and CO2 to enter and exit the lung. This could lead to serious and life-threatening health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestosis is usually the result of prolonged exposure to asbestos. The most commonly reported symptoms is difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include chest pain, coughing and a bluish hue on the skin due to lack of oxygen. Mesothelioma is a cancer that can affect the linings of the chest cavity, lungs or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed after 30 to 40 years of exposure and tends to be fatal. A medical exam is recommended for those who have been exposed asbestos. Based on the person's work background and other factors, the doctor will determine whether additional tests are needed. This could include chest X-rays, CT scans or lung function tests. An X-ray or chest CT scan can reveal changes in the lungs associated with asbestos exposure, however these changes aren't always noticeable to the patient. These changes can be spotted by doctors who are experts in asbestos-related diseases. Symptoms of lung disease related to asbestos exposure can take a long time to develop, which is why many people don't realize they are affected until it's too late. Other symptoms of asbestos exposure, along with lung fibrosis include breathlessness or chest pain and abdomen, persistent cough, weight loss, and fever. People who have been exposed to asbestos should be given a flu and pneumonia vaccine. This will help prevent respiratory infections that can exacerbate their health problems. They should also wash hands frequently to reduce the chance of contracting an infection. They should be part of a support group for people suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Treatment Asbestos can trigger a variety of health problems. The severity of health problems depends on the length of time and the type of asbestos the person has been exposed to. It can cause respiratory illnesses such as asbestosis or pleural effusions. It could also cause mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the chest lining and abdomen. It can also cause cancers of the gastrointestinal system as well as kidneys. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, your medical team will recommend treatment options to control symptoms and prevent complications. These treatments can include treatments and medications such as pulmonary rehabilitation, occupational therapists and lung transplants. You can also join support groups to discuss your issues. People who have been exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time are at risk of developing a range of health conditions including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Smokers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, as smoking cigarettes can cause irritation to the lungs. The symptoms of these health problems can take 10-20 years to develop, which is known as the latency. Brockton asbestos lawsuit of asbestos exposure include breathing problems and chest pain. These are a result of the scarring that damages the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. As the disease advances the symptoms may worsen. A person may even be unable to breathe at rest. They may also experience fatigue, fever and weight loss. Asbestosis cannot be treated, but certain treatments can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life for sufferers. Doctors can prescribe aerosol medication to thin the fluids within the lungs. A patient who has severe symptoms can receive oxygen through an in-nose tube. Regular blood tests and X-rays will help monitor the disease and help identify any possible complications. It is crucial to follow a good diet and exercise, as this can help keep a person healthy. Stress can exacerbate symptoms and it is essential to avoid stress. Diagnosis The most common sign of asbestos exposure is difficulty breathing. This is because microscopic asbestos fibers can remain lodged in the lungs for many years even after exposure has stopped. The lungs are not designed to eliminate these foreign substances which is why they get inflamed and scarred over time. This condition is known as asbestosis, or pulmonary fibrosis. The symptoms of asbestos poisoning may take as long as forty years to appear. This is one of the reasons asbestos exposure is often not detected for so long even by those who worked with it regularly. The tiny fibers of asbestos can be inhaled as asbestos is released into air. The majority of the fibers will be transported through coughing or mucus, but some will bypass the system and lodge deep in the lungs. This can lead to a range of ailments that affect lung function. This includes lung cancer and mesothelioma – a deadly cancer that targets organ linings called the mesothelium. In its early stages lung cancer caused by asbestos can be difficult to detect because it can mimic other diseases, including chronic chest pain, coughing and weight loss. Additionally, the risk of developing lung cancer increases the more a person is exposed to asbestos and other carcinogens, like cigarette smoke. Asbestosis can develop over the course of several years following the initial exposure. It is usually detected through an examination for medical conditions, background information, a chest xray or CT scan, and tests for lung enzymes. Asthmatics could be at greater risk of developing asbestosis. The most severe asbestos-related illness is mesothelioma. It develops in the lung's lining as well as other organs within the body. It can also be found in the larynx and ovaries. People who have exposure to asbestos are at greater risk of this type of cancer, along with other forms of mesothelioma which target the stomach lining and intestines. It can take many years for mesothelioma to develop. This is why it is crucial that those who have a history of asbestos exposure undergo regular health checks. Prevention Many buildings and homes built prior to 1970 contain materials like asbestos pipes and floor tiles that remain intact. As long as they are not damaged, they do not pose a health risk. They can pose dangerous to health when they're damaged or deteriorated. This is due to the release of tiny asbestos fibres into air, which could be inhaled or ingested. The health risks are high and it is crucial to have asbestos-containing substances that could be examined, tested, or removed by experts. Asbestos fibers can only cause disease when inhaled or consumed and later lodged in the lung tissue. This can lead to a variety of illnesses like mesothelioma (lung cancer) asbestosis (scarring on the lung) and more. The symptoms of these diseases are usually not evident until several years after the initial exposure. Asbestos-related illnesses are mostly caused by occupational exposure. Asbestos is found in a variety of jobs such as mine workers, insulation contractors and construction workers. Workers can still be exposed to asbestos even though they wear personal protective equipment and have been properly trained. The symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses can be noticed between 15 and 50 years after exposure. This is called the latency period. In addition to occupational exposure, it's also possible for individuals to be exposed via the water pathway by drinking water that has been contaminated with asbestos from erosion of natural land sources or due to mill tailings from mining or mines that have been discarded or the breakdown of asbestos cement pipe that is carried by rainwater. Ingestion can also occur due to the accidental consumption of food items contaminated like clams and other seafood, that have been sprayed down by contaminated water. The highest risk of asbestos exposure is present for those who are involved in the demolition and repair of structures which may contain asbestos as well as those who handle waste that is contaminated. The most at risk are those who worked after the September 11 attacks in New York City and those involved in rescue, recovery and clean-up efforts. It is recommended that these individuals wear protective clothing for their entire body and use a high quality face mask when working with asbestos. It is important that those who work with asbestos are adequately ventilated.