Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of microscopic fibers which, when disturbed, can be released into the air. Exposure to these fibers can cause serious health problems, including cancer.
What Does Asbestos Commonly Cause?
Asbestos exposure is known to cause several types of cancers, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Asbestos also causes other serious health problems, such as asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, and pleural thickening, a hardening of the lining of the lungs. Additionally, asbestos can cause non-cancerous respiratory diseases, such as pleurisy and bronchitis. Asbestos exposure can also lead to other health problems, such as chest pain, coughing up blood, and difficulty breathing.
How Is Asbestos Exposure Diagnosed?
Asbestos exposure is diagnosed through medical tests, such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and lung function tests. If a doctor suspects that a person has been exposed to asbestos, they may order biopsies of the lungs or other tissues to look for signs of asbestos fibers.
What Are the Risks of Asbestos Exposure?
The risks of asbestos exposure depend on the type of asbestos, how much was inhaled, and for how long the exposure lasted. Long-term exposure to high levels of asbestos is most dangerous, as it increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Asbestos exposure is also linked to an increased risk of other serious respiratory diseases.
What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
The best way to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure is to avoid contact with sources of asbestos. If contact with asbestos can't be avoided, then protective clothing and respiratory masks should be worn. Additionally, it is important to have any materials containing asbestos properly removed by a professional.