Asbestos is a mineral that can be very dangerous if not properly managed. Since the 1800s, it has been used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, chemical filters, car brakes, and even textiles and shoes. It can also be found in building materials such as tiles, paints, furnaces, roof shingles, pipes, and cement.

Who is at risk for asbestos disease?

Breathing in asbestos may cause health problems such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. There is little reason to be concerned about asbestos poisoning if you have not been exposed to asbestos or if building materials and anything that may contain asbestos dust are in its proper condition.

However, asbestos can be passed into the air of buildings that have problems with the electrical, plumbing, acoustical, or structural insulation systems. Many people who are at risk of asbestos disease are those who have lived or worked in the homes of buildings with such problems that were built before the mid-1970s. Those who are especially at risk include
workers in mines, mills, shipbuilding, auto mechanics, the railroad industry, factories that produce asbestos products, and the heating and construction field.

Before the mid 1970s, there were no government regulations on asbestos use. Now, there are safety guidelines enacted by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) designed to protect workers from exposure to asbestos. It is also recommended that people who work near asbestos wear protective gear such as masks and other respiratory devices. Following the standard safety procedures can greatly reduce your chances of asbestos disease.

Inhaling large amounts of asbestos increases your chances of acquiring an asbestos related disease. Also, inhaling asbestos for a long period of time makes your chances of acquiring such a disease greater. However, there are cases of mesothelioma in people who have been exposed to asbestos for just a short amount of time. And there are many people who have been exposed to heavy amounts of asbestos who do not have an asbestos related disease.

Also, living in the same house as someone who works with asbestos may put you at risk. Family members of asbestos workers have acquired an asbestos related disease from asbestos dust in the hair and clothing of spouses and parents.

Asbestosis

Exposure to asbestos over long periods of time can lead to a condition called Asbestosis. Asbestosis is characterized by shortness of breath and scarring of the lung tissue. It can also be referred to as diffuse pulmonary fibrosis or the occupational lung disease.

Asbestosis may lead to more severe medical conditions such as failure of the lungs and airways, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac failure, and mesothelioma, a form of cancer. Many people who have asbestosis swallowed or breathed in asbestosis a long time ago due to leaked asbestos in the home or workplace. In fact, asbestosis may not form in the body until 10, 20, 30 or even 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Therefore, symptoms of asbestosis may occur throughout many years after exposure to asbestos.

Some symptoms of Asbestosis include:

  • Breathing problems such as shortness of breath

  • Lack of Energy

  • Dry Coughing

  • Chest Pain

  • Deformity in fingers

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs when harmful cells form in the lining of the lungs, chest and stomach. If left untreated, these cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body.

Like Asbestosis, many people who have mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos many years ago.

A few possible signs of mesothelioma

  • Chest /Abdominal Pain

  • Shortness of Breath

  • Lack of Energy

  • Blood in cough, severe wheezing
    and hoarseness

  • Mass in stomach

  • Weight Loss

  • Changes in Bowel Movements

  • Anemia

  • Fever

  • Blood clotting

  • Jaundice

Seeing Your Doctor

Seeing these symptoms in yourself or a loved one does not necessarily mean Asbestosis and Mesothelioma. They may even be symptoms of a different type of health issue, perhaps one that is less severe. However, it is important to see your doctor if you believe you may be at risk for asbestos disease. Only your doctor can provide you with a proper diagnosis.

Your first step in seeking medical care may be to visit your general practitioner doctor. From there, you may be referred your pulmonologist, a lung specialist or an occupational specialist, a doctor who specializes in diseases acquired in the workplace. Workers in fields such as construction, manufacturing or any area where exposure to asbestos is a possibility may be required to visit these kinds of doctors on a regular basis.

When you see your doctor, be prepared to share any and all information you have regarding your experiences with asbestos. This may include your recent work situation and/or your work history from many years ago. Also, it is important to share with your doctor all your symptoms, concerns about previous work/home environments, previous medical conditions, any medicine you are taking, and lifestyle. If you are a smoker, please let your doctor know because this information is important in helping your doctor diagnose and work with your condition.

It is also a good idea to make a list of questions and concerns you may have and take it along with you to the doctor. It is common for patients to forget important questions when they are with the doctor and have the opportunity to ask. Take a family member or a friend with you on your visit to offer you support as well as assistance in recalling information.

Testing and Treatment

Asbestosis - Your doctor will ask you about your work history with asbestos and any other exposure or possible exposure you may have with asbestos dust or asbestos products. Also, share with him any knowledge you have of coworkers or family members who have been diagnosed with asbestosis or mesothelioma. He will then listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. He may have reason to believe you have asbestosis if he hears a crackling or high pitched sound. This alone is not enough to provide you or your doctor with a
definite diagnosis. If or when he hears any unusual sounds in your lungs, he will order for further tests. These tests include chest x-ray, pulmonary function testing, computerized tomography, and a bronchoscopy.

Chest X-Ray - A chest x-ray can help detect asbestosis even before you notice any symptoms. Asbestosis may reveal itself in the x-ray by showing a large amount of white coating on your lungs. If the asbestosis is advanced, the entire lungs will be coated.

Pulmonary Funtion Testing (PFT) - This test will show the doctor how much air your lungs can hold and it also measures the air flow that comes in and out of your lungs. It basically gives your doctor an idea of how well your lungs are functioning.

Computerized Tomography (CT) - This type of test provides a greater quality image of the lungs than a chest x-ray. It is also more helpful in recognizing asbestosis in its early stages.

Bronchoscopy - This test involves a doctor taking a bronchoscope, an instrument that is inserted into the nose or mouth to examine the health of your airways. He may use this device for a biopsy, a procedure where he collects samples of fluid or tissue. These samples will then be sent to the lab for examination by a pathologist, a doctor who diagnoses
diseases by studying tissues and cells under a microscope. The pathologist will then provide the doctor with a definitive diagnosis.

Although there is no known cure for Asbestosis, there are steps you can take to manage this condition, breathe easier, and prevent it from becoming worse. The key with managing asbestos is to keep your lungs as healthy as possible. It is necessary to stop all exposure to asbestos dust. Also, if you are a smoker, it is important that you take the necessary steps in order to quit. Smoking will cause more damage to your lungs and can result in serious diseases such as lung cancer and emphysema. Also, do what you can to safeguard yourself from diseases that affect the lungs such as flu and pneumonia.

Mesothelioma - Your doctor may begin the examination by checking your body for any lumps or masses. Before your doctor considers testing for mesothelioma, he may rule out other more common diseases that share similar symptoms to mesothelioma.

A biopsy is the only way for your doctor to be sure if you have mesothelioma. There are various types of biopsies and your doctor will select the one that is right for you by looking at what area of your body is affected. Once the results are in from the lab, you will know whether you have mesothelioma. If it is mesothelioma, the next step is learning how advanced the disease is in your body.

Mesothelioma is classified in four stages. Stage one being the least severe and stage four being the most advanced. Your doctor may order testing such as a chest x-ray, a computerized tomography (CT), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a positron emission tomography (pet) to determine what stage your mesothelioma is in.

How your doctor treats your mesothelioma depends on the location and stage of the cancer, your health and age and your own decision regarding what is best for you. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often diagnosed when it’s in an advanced stage. Therefore, your doctor may only be able to work with you to make you more comfortable. However, some people choose to take on the most aggressive of treatments in the hopes that there is a small chance of improvement.

If the doctor found your mesothelioma in an early stage, surgery may prove to be an effective means to stopping the cancer. During your surgery, the doctors will remove as much as the cancer as possible by eliminating cancerous tissue or even parts of your lung. In addition to surgery, chemotherapy, treatment of disease with chemicals, and radiation therapy, treatment of disease with radiation, may also be a part of your treatment to ensure that all cancerous cells and tissue is eliminated from your body.

Piece of Mind at Home

If you learn there are asbestos products in your home you do not have to worry as long as these items are in their proper condition. However, it is important to check these items on a regular basis for any damage that may occur since this is how asbestos becomes leaked into the air, thus causing asbestos disease. Remember to wear a mask and gloves when inspecting the asbestos products and consult your local officials on the proper disposal of these safety items. Some home materials to look out for are roof shingles, old insulation systems, textured paint and patching items, vinyl floor tiles, and furnaces.

Please keep in mind these are just a few places where asbestos might be found. A proper inspection would require a trained asbestos inspector to look everywhere around the exterior and interior of your house from your deck to the drier.

Be extra careful during any home renovation or repair. These situations often lead to damage to asbestos products in the home.

For more information on managing, inspecting, and disposing asbestos in the home, please contact your state Environmental Protection Agency office.

Protecting Yourself at Work
Follow all safety precautions when you are at work. This may mean wearing masks and other protective equipment and showering before you leave the location. If something is questionable in the workplace, bring it to the attention of your supervisor and make sure your concerns are being addressed. You have the right to a safe work environment.

Legal Action - It is not uncommon for people who have been wrongly subjected to asbestos to take legal action. Finding an experienced lawyer who specializes in asbestos lawsuits can empower you and give you a sense that there is justice in the world. Money does not make up for suffering, damage to your health, and strain on your loved ones. However, it can make you feel better to know that manufacturers or who ever is at fault will understand what they have done and pay for it. There are many lawyers who specialize in cases related to asbestos poisoning. When seeking a lawyer, please look for one who specializes in asbestos poisoning. Do your research in order to find the lawyer that’s best for you.

Support - Whatever your concern and situation may be regarding asbestos, please seek the comfort and support of family, friends, and others who have shared similar experiences. There are many resources to provide you with information, guidance, support and coping strategies.

Some useful numbers

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
800-4-CANCER (800) 422-6237

American Cancer Society (ACS)
800-ACS-2345

Environmental Protection Agency
(Asbestos Ombudsman) 1-800 368-5888

References

www.wikipedia.com

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/asbestos/faq.shtm

www.webmd.com

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma

http://www.epa.state.il.us/small-business/asbestos-in-home/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asbestosis/DS00482

http://www.asbestosismesothelioma.com/asbestosis-information.html

http://health.howstuffworks.com/define-occupational-physician.htm

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/medical_services/pulmonary/old/conditions/asbestosis/diagnosis.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchoscopy

http://respiratory-lung.health-cares.net/asbestosis-treatment.php

http://www.asbestosresource.com/resources.html

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ashome.html#3