Many dangerous materials have been used in the past for different purposes, either because they had some traits that others did not or because they were more cost-effective.
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Asbestos is one of those materials that has been used in many urban projects, and almost all old houses have some asbestos left in them. Recently, it has been discovered that this material is bad and unhealthy for us, with all the consequences we will face shortly.
What are the health risks associated with asbestos exposure? Let's look into each one and also consider the long term effects it can have on your health.
Diseases associated with asbestos exposure
When inhaled, asbestos may irritate lung tissues and trap microscopic fibers in the lungs. Inhaling asbestos fibers causes scarring in the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis.
It becomes more difficult to breathe when the lungs are scarred because oxygen and carbon dioxide cannot travel through them as quickly. People who have been exposed to asbestos for a long time have a higher risk of developing this disease, but it may take years for symptoms to manifest.
Pleural disease is another common consequence of long asbestos exposure. This is a non-cancerous lung disease that affects the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity. While breathing difficulties aren’t always a symptom of pleural alterations, some patients may have impaired lung function.
Malignant tumors may penetrate and obstruct the air passageways in the lungs, causing lung cancer. This risk is substantially increased when asbestos is present in the environment, together with tobacco.
Mesothelioma is an extremely uncommon kind of cancer that may develop on the pleura, the peritoneum, or any other internal organs’ membranes. It could take 30-40 years after asbestos exposure for symptoms of this rare condition to manifest.
Where can asbestos exposure happen?
Asbestos is most often exposed to workers in the workplace, either directly or indirectly, through various asbestos products. Workers carry the risk of secondary exposure for their families if they carry some traces to their homes.
Also, asbestos deposits in nature are another major risk. Natural asbestos deposits or polluted construction sites are other potential causes. Asbestos exposure may also occur as a consequence of a natural or man-made calamity.
Asbestos products
Throughout the time, many companies made thousands of goods using asbestos fibers. Insulation, drywall, cement, tiles, paint, and many other building materials may contain asbestos. There is asbestos in almost every house or building in the United States that was constructed before 1980.
The wastewater from floods and other natural catastrophes may carry these asbestos-containing building materials. Construction materials have the potential to pollute water supplies with asbestos.
The car industry is also another major contributor to asbestos exposure, as brakes, clutches, and other friction items are still contaminated. The use of these items has greatly increased the danger of asbestos exposure for employees working in car dealerships, petrol stations, and depots.
Secondary asbestos exposure
Even in the absence of direct contact with the harmful substance, people may develop an asbestos-related illness. Exposure through indirect means, known as secondary exposure, may be as harmful as direct contact.
For example, when asbestos fibers are embedded in a worker’s clothing, hair, or skin, they are at great risk of exposure. In the United States, people were more prone to handle asbestos materials over the 20th century.
People living in houses of asbestos workers may be at risk of secondary exposure, which might impact their women and children. The secondary exposure risk was highest for women who were responsible for washing their husband’s contaminated work clothing.
Unfortunately, this happens even nowadays, so it is important to know how to protect your rights if your health suffers from constant asbestos exposure. Hard-working families can contact expert meso lawyer, Scott Frost, or other professionals who can help ensure their compensation and help them live comfortably.
When people are diagnosed with some life-threatening diseases due to asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, it can be devastating for the whole family, especially if the person is a breadwinner. Luckily, professional lawyers can fight for their rights and at least mitigate the severe consequences of this difficult hardship.
How common is asbestos exposure?
Asbestos is a material that affects every person at some time, as there is a small amount of it almost everywhere. Those who develop an asbestos-related illness often have frequent and long-term exposure to the material.
Asbestos exposure was most common in the workplace before the 1970s, but it may happen even now. The symptoms don’t appear for quite some time, therefore doctors are continually finding many new instances of the disease.
Although the danger of asbestosis is significantly lower because of rules limiting exposure on the job, workers are still vulnerable to accidental one.
Do all kinds of asbestos have the same risk?
Actually no, the danger levels may vary. The two main types of asbestos are:
Non-friable: combined with cement or other binding agents. When it is in excellent shape and form, it probably won’t do any damage to your health.
Friable: the kind that can easily be crushed, ground, or powdered by hand. If these asbestos fibers become airborne, they pose a serious health risk. Inhaling more fibers increases the danger.
Also, any kind of cutting, drilling, water blasting, or exposure to the elements can turn non-friable asbestos into friable, making it a dangerous substance.
What are common symptoms of asbestosis?
Exposure to asbestos may cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may not manifest for 20-30 years after the first exposure. Asbestos scarring on the lungs usually worsens with time.
This means that your symptoms may not be immediately apparent to you. Experiencing shortness of breath, particularly during vigorous physical activity, is the first sign of asbestosis. Possible further symptoms include:
- Pain and tightness in the chest
- Severe cough
- Cracking inhaling sound
- Difficulty with physical activity
- Excessive fatigue
- Weight loss.
Risk factors
The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases includes:
Duration: the amount of time that asbestos was present in your body. The longer you’re exposed, the more dangerous it is.
Dose: the amount of asbestos to which you were exposed.
Business sector: if asbestos is bound into a product, such as walls or tires, your danger is lower. However, if the substance is emitted into the air, the risk is significantly higher.
Your health: having a history of lung illness or smoking could make the risk worse.
Genetics: carrying a defective copy of the BAP1 gene.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure – FAQs
How much exposure is dangerous?
No amount of asbestos exposure is safe. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses may develop after just a few minutes of exposure. The risk may, however, depend on the length and quantity of exposure.
It can grow with prolonged and heavy exposure to asbestos. Short-term exposure is considered safer, but if it repeats many times, it can be harmful because of the substance’s ability to collect in your body.
Can you prevent asbestosis?
Staying away from asbestos for an extended period might lower your chances of developing asbestosis. You must use a respirator, which is a kind of mask that eliminates airborne particles if your job requires you to come into contact with the substance.
Consistent checkups and chest X-rays are necessary for everyone who knows they have been exposed to asbestos. Although these tests cannot eliminate the disease, they can diagnose it early and help further prevention.
Moreover, quitting smoking is your greatest bet if you want to make sure the asbestos exposure won’t do so much harm to your health.
How to protect yourself?
Removal of friable asbestos and any amount of non-friable substance requires the expertise of a qualified asbestos contractor because of the danger involved with the removal process.
While you wait for the removal process, you can also do some things on your own if you come across dirty or damaged objects that are suspected to contain asbestos. First of all, keep your hands off the items and the dirt.
You can spray water over them to prevent it being released into the air. Be cautious when you are near electrical outlets. Use plastic sheets or a tarp to cover the dirt or items if possible. Do not mop or wet sweep in areas where asbestos insulation has been sprayed.
What is the prognosis?
Clearly, there are serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestosis has no known remedy and the harm it causes cannot be cured. Inhaling asbestos fibers causes them to remain in your body for a long time. Your prognosis usually depends on the duration and amount of your exposure.
Many people with this diagnosis continue to lead full, productive lives for a long time. The condition worsens for some, and that’s where they need ongoing medical care. To make sure they follow your condition, your doctor will most likely conduct chest X-rays and lung function tests periodically. The results can also vary as your disease advances.
Make sure to inform your primary care physician of any asbestos exposure you may have had and schedule regular exams. The early signs of these health issues are often vague and similar to those of other, less severe conditions.
Your doctor can help you diagnose the issue early on and plan the proper treatment to protect your health. Also, lawyers can help you fight for your rights if you have been exposed to asbestos due to someone’s negligence, so be sure to keep in touch with them about the important steps you need to take.
