The Fallout From Years Of Asbestos Exposure

Before scientists and doctors discovered how extremely dangerous it is

, asbestos was commonly used as a building material. Fatal and severe illnesses cropped up in almost all the people that were exposed to it at some point in their lives. Though it was thought to be a superb for buildings, the negative health consequences counteracted any of its positive values.

All available forms of asbestos have now been linked to non-cancerous and cancerous lung diseases. There is usually a period of approximately 20 years, between exposure and disease development. Lung diseases are, of course, the most common. The removal of asbestos in buildings now requires the following of very careful safety measures.

Scar tissue in the lungs usually develops as a result of asbestos exposure. That is why many people have shortness of breath as the most common symptom. Those exposed could have problems trying to go up even on flight of stairs.

Since the fibers have amassed in the lungs, coughing is usually another related symptom. Coughing is a natural reflex action, our bodies use it to try to expel irritants of any type from the lungs. You should definitely see a physician if you have been exposed to asbestos and find yourself with a persistent cough. It is highly possible you have some fibers embedded in your lungs.

For those who have suffered exposure, extreme weight loss can also be an indicator that an illness is affecting them. If you suspect you were around asbestos and a dramatic drop in weight is unexplained, then see a physician as soon as you possibly can. This could mean the problem has already spread throughout your body.

Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that has been found, in most cases, to be caused by asbestos. People with mesothelioma may experience all of the listed symptoms and more. Others can include chest pain and pleural effusion. This disease is usually confirmed via a biopsy.

Despite treatment, the prognosis is usually not good for those who develop mesothelioma. Some people have developed it as late as 50 years after exposure. There is also no early screening test, yet, for those that have inhaled asbestos fibers.

Thankfully, due to increased awareness of the safety issues, asbestos related deaths have reached a plateau. People have learned how to remove it from existing structures in a much safer manner. This helps minimize the exposure and prevents the release of the fibers into the air. People are now specially trained to handle its removal. Buildings that contain it in dangerous amounts are usually made off-limits to the public, until they have been properly cleaned.

Another related illness is called Asbestiosis, this is a lung tissue scarring that occurs from inhalation of the fibers. The breathlessness associated with this condition often gets worse, with time. People who have been exposed to very high amounts of the fibers can develop it much faster and much more severely. Seeing a doctor for diagnosis and treatment is vital to their long-term prognosis.

by: Tobias McTavish

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