The health risks caused by asbestos

Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure has been extensively studied, revealing significant health risks. Asbestos fibres are easily inhaled and can become embedded in lung tissue, causing several serious diseases.

Major Health Effects

Asbestosis

Description: Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease resulting from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres. It typically manifests 20-30 years after exposure.

Symptoms: Persistent cough, wheezing, fatigue, chest or shoulder pain, and clubbed (swollen) fingertips in advanced stages.

Management: While incurable, symptom management includes quitting smoking, regular exercise, and oxygen therapy to improve blood oxygen levels.

Lung Cancer

Description: Inhaled asbestos fibres can lodge in lung tissue, causing cellular damage over time that may lead to cancer.

Risk Factors: The risk is significantly higher in smokers exposed to asbestos.

Symptoms: Chronic cough, weight loss, shortness of breath, fever, and chest pain. Early stages often present no symptoms.

Diagnosis: Requires further testing such as chest X-rays due to the similarity of symptoms with other lung conditions.

Mesothelioma

Description: A rare, aggressive cancer of the mesothelium (lining of organs, especially the lungs and chest cavity).

Prognosis: Poor, as symptoms usually appear late. After diagnosis, life expectancy is often only a few months.

Care:Focuses on palliative and supportive care.

Pleural Plaques

Description: Thickened areas on the pleura, the lining between the lungs and ribs, due to asbestos exposure.

Health Impact: Generally asymptomatic and non-cancerous, pleural plaques do not increase cancer risk.

Asbestos Warts

Description: Non-cancerous growths that form when asbestos fibres become trapped under the skin, resulting in wart-like calluses.

When to See Your GP

If you suspect asbestos exposure and exhibit any symptoms such as a persistent cough, wheezing, or chest pain, it is crucial to consult your GP. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, consider your work history, and may refer you to a specialist for further testing.

Understanding these health risks emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and early detection in managing asbestos-related diseases.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if I’ve been exposed to asbestos?

A: Exposure to asbestos typically occurs in environments where asbestos-containing materials are present, such as construction sites, old buildings, or industrial settings. If you’ve worked in such places, especially before the 1980s when asbestos use was more common, you might have been exposed. Symptoms of asbestos exposure usually appear many years later and include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. If you suspect exposure, it’s important to discuss your work history and any potential symptoms with your GP for further assessment.

Q: What should I do if I think I have symptoms of an asbestos-related disease?

A: If you experience symptoms like a persistent cough, wheezing, chest pain, or fatigue, and you suspect it might be due to asbestos exposure, you should see your GP immediately. Your doctor will likely listen to your lungs, review your work history, and may refer you to a specialist for additional tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans to diagnose any asbestos-related conditions.

Q: Are there any treatments available for asbestos-related conditions?

A: While there is no cure for most asbestos-related conditions like asbestosis or mesothelioma, treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. For asbestosis, measures such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, and oxygen therapy can help. For lung cancer and mesothelioma, treatment options might include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care to manage symptoms and improve comfort. Early diagnosis and medical intervention can significantly impact the management of these conditions.