The
Heath and Safety Executive
widely promote the hazards which asbestos can causes.
Here , we look in detail at the diseases which asbestos exposure can cause , but also some other handy information to consider.
What part of the asbestos is dangerous?
A misconception is that asbestos is classed as the building material it is bound within. For example , an asbestos cement sheet is normally deemed as asbestos. However , asbestos are tiny microscopic fibres which are mixed with the cement. You cannot see them with the naked eye!
The fibres are dangerous. When asbestos fibres are released into the air they can be in inhaled and cause serious lung diseases such as cancer.
What diseases can asbestos exposure cause?
Asbestosis: Inflammation and progressive scarring of the lung tissue leads to difficulty breathing.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma
is a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and by the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal.
Asbestos-related lung cancer
Asbestos-related lung cancer is the same as (looks the same as) lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes. It is estimated that there is around one lung cancer for every mesothelioma death.
Pleural thickening
Pleural thickening is generally a problem that happens after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed, and can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
How can you be exposed to asbestos?
when asbestos is disturbed or damaged , you will not see the tiny particles which release into the air. So they can be easily inhaled unknowingly. The fibres stay in the air for 48 to 72 hours before they settle – this can include settling on your clothes or furniture.
You can be directly exposed to asbestos by removing or disturbing it yourself , or you can be exposed by second hand asbestos exposure – for example during incorrect removal of asbestos or washing clothes which contain asbestos fibres.
How does asbestos actually get into your system?
Asbestos fibres can be inhaled or swallowed.
Asbestos fibre(s) get lodged in the lungs or lining of the lungs and takes between 20-60 years before symptoms are presented.