Asbestos diseases are caused by excessive exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos diseases that are malignant include mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer and laryngeal cancer. Nonmalignant asbestos illnesses include asbestosis, COPD, pleural plaques, pleural thickening, pleural effusion and atelectasis.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos kills around 5,000 workers every year and this is more than people who are killed in road collisions. Materials that contain asbestos are distributed or damaged and then the fibres are released into the air. When the fibres are airborne and are inhaled they can cause serious illnesses like the ones listed above. These diseases will not affect you immediately, they do take time to be developed. Once diagnosed it is more often than not too late to do anything. More information about the illnesses are listed below.
Asbestos Related Injuries
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease which is caused by excessive exposure to asbestos fibers. The illness is potentially deadly and is usually characterised by lung scarring and inflammation. It prevents the lungs from expanding and relaxing normally, leading to shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that looks the same as lung cancer caused by smoking. It can appear in several areas and is spread widely via the lymph nodes. The cancer is unfortunately deadly and can be aggressive.
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer is unfortunately quite common and is deadly and asbestos exposure is responsible for an estimated 20% of all lung cancer cases. Treatment for this asbestos disease includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Pleural Effusion
Pleural Effusion is an excess fluid build up in the lungs, they occur between pleural layers, such as between the mesothelium and lung tissue. Some of the symptoms include breathing difficulties, coughing, and chest pain. You will need to go to the doctors to get this fluid drained.
COPD
Asbestos exposure does not directly cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, but it can increase the risk of developing the condition. COPD can weaken the lungs, making a person susceptible to asbestos related illnesses.
More Information About Asbestos Diseases
Benign asbestos diseases are generally not fatal unless left untreated or discovered in their late advancement stages. The exception to this is asbestosis, which is the leading cause of death in all asbestos illnesses.
Asbestos illnesses have poor prognosis since they can be hard to treat and are aggressive without any notice. Early detection and intervention is the best way to deal with the illness. Anyone with asbestos exposure should talk about this with their doctor even if they have no symptoms.
Diagnosis will be carried out with a physical exam, chest X-rays and blood work.
Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal is a vital service which acts as a lifeline for those that are looking to renovate properties or looking to gain peace of mind in their own home, especially in older properties. Asbestos is a huge health hazard for those living and working around it and it needs to be removed immediately.
Sarah Wirth is a content writer for A4 Asbestos. A4 Asbestos offers Asbestos removal in Bristol & the surrounding areas.
