What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the term used for a group of minerals that occur naturally and are made of microscopic fibers. Asbestos fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity, these properties led to them being widely used in many industries.
Where is asbestos used?
Due to the favorable properties of asbestos, it has been used widely in many industries such as;
- The construction industry
In the construction industry asbestos was used for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation and fireproofing. It was also used for sound absorption and in roofing tiles.
- The shipbuilding industry
In the shipbuilding industry asbestos was used to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes due to its heat resistance.
- The automotive industry
Due to its heat and fire-resistant properties asbestos was used in clutch pads and vehicle breaks in the automotive industry.
- The decorative industry
In the decorative industry, asbestos was also used in paints, adhesives, tiles, coatings and plastics.
With such a versatile number of properties, asbestos has been widely used making exposure to it across these industries highly likely.
What are the health hazards of asbestos?
The health hazards associated with asbestos were first officially recognized in 1918, but despite this, use of the material continued to expand well into the 20th century and it is not illegal to use today. Most people will be exposed to asbestos at one time or another but brief exposure is not often enough to cause any adverse health reactions. The people at risk of asbestos-related diseases are those who are exposed to it regularly, often this is through directly working with the material in their job or from substantial environmental contact on a day to day basis.
There are a number of asbestos-related diseases, which are caused as a result of the inhalation of asbestos fibres. These diseases can be non-malignant or cancerous.
Non-malignant asbestos-related diseases include:
- Asbestosis
Asbestosis is long term inflammation and scarring of the lungs as a result of exposure to asbestos fibres. Symptoms of asbestosis often include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
- Diffuse pleural thickening
The pleura is a membrane comprising of two layers that surrounds your lungs and the lining on the inside of your rib cage. Diffuse pleural thickening is where heavy, smooth scarring, thickens the pleural membrane lining the lungs and chest wall, this can stop the lungs from being able to expand efficiently causing a feeling of breathlessness.
- Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are areas of scarring or calcification on the pleura, they typically form 20 years after exposure to asbestos and so many people do not experience them until later in life.
- Pleural effusion
Pleural effusion is a build-up of excess fluid in the pleural cavity. This can impair breathing and limit the air capacity of the lungs making it hard to breathe.
Malignant asbestos-related diseases include:
- Lung cancer
Lung cancer is caused by uncontrollable cell growth in the lung tissue and is the second most common type of cancer in the US with over 200,000 people diagnosed each year. Although the most common cause of lung cancer is smoking, studies estimate that between 3-4% of all cases are related to asbestos inhalation.
- Malignant mesothelioma
Many people confuse mesothelioma and lung cancer because the majority of mesothelioma cases affect the lungs. But malignant mesothelioma actually develops when the asbestos fibres scar and lead to tumours in the lining of the lungs, the mesothelium. There are many people out there working for victims’ rights after a mesothelioma diagnosis and if you have been diagnosed as a result of asbestos exposure then you could be owed compensation.
What to do if you think you have been exposed to asbestos
The risk of health problems as a result of exposure to asbestos increases in line with how long you were exposed and how regularly you were exposed, however, some people who have had regular, long-term exposure to asbestos will develop no health problems at all.
It can take between 20 to 50 years for symptoms of asbestos-related illness show, but if you are concerned, then here are a few things you can do to ensure you catch any issues early:
- Speak with your doctor about your concern
- Request regular pulmonary check-ups
- Make yourself familiar with the symptoms of asbestos exposure and the key asbestos-related diseases
- Stop smoking, the effect of both tobacco and asbestos on the lungs can increase your chances of developing cancer.
