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Asbestos Causes And Prevention
Asbestos is the name allocated to a group of six fibrous silicate minerals that occur naturally with features like stability and resistance to heat, chemicals, and corrosion. Due to these features, asbestos was used in manufacturing numerous materials. Examples of such asbestos-containing materials are floor tiles, brake pads of automobiles, insulation materials, cement, and textured paint.
Asbestos is toxic, and getting exposed to it would negatively affect one's health and can make you sick. Asbestos exposure occurs due to the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres in asbestos-containing products. In addition, you can also get exposed to asbestos by ingesting asbestos dust or substances contaminated with asbestos.
The following conditions would make you prone to asbestos exposure:
• Using asbestos-containing products
• Living in or close to a neighbourhood with an asbestos-contaminated construction site
• Having an occupation that involves handling asbestos particles such as mining, removal, and manufacturing of asbestos. Also, workers in the building and construction trades can get exposed to asbestos.
• Demolition of asbestos-contaminated buildings which causes the asbestos fibres to become airborne
• DIY and unprofessional removal of asbestos
• The improper disposal of asbestos debris and materials
Common symptoms of asbestos exposure include wheezing, shortness of breath, respiratory blockage, chest pain, and consistent cough. This article throws more light on the health risks of asbestos exposure. Read on.
Health Effects Of Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos leads to a high concentration of asbestos in the bloodstream, eventually becoming hazardous to your health. According to the Disease Society of Australia, the following factors can increase the risk of asbestos-related diseases and cancer:
• The length of exposure
• The amount of asbestos fibre exposed to
• The frequency of the exposure
• The type of asbestos you get exposed to
• The age of the patient (older people are more susceptible)
• The latency period of asbestos exposure diseases is 10-30 years
Let's talk about the health risks of direct or indirect exposures to asbestos.
Cancers
Inhaling or ingesting asbestos particles can lead to any of the following cancers:
Lung cancer
Asbestos exposure can result in the formation of cancerous cells in the lungs. These cancerous tumours can spread throughout the lungs and even to the chest region if not diagnosed early or treated in time.
Research shows that the risk of asbestos-related lung cancer is higher for smokers, and likewise, smoking can increase the fatality of lung cancer. Commonly occurring symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough and wheezing.
Ovarian cancer
Another category of cancer that can stem from asbestos exposure is ovarian cancer. Research conducted shows that asbestos fibres were found present in the ovaries of women that got exposed to asbestos.
Upon exposure, asbestos fibres can find their way into the ovaries through the bloodstream or the reproductive tract. The studies done by the National Cancer Research Institute confirm that a higher percentage of ovarian cancer caused by asbestos exposure is workplace-related.
Bile duct cancer
Bile ducts are a group of tiny tubes connecting the liver to the small intestine. The function of these tubes is to allow the flow of an enzyme called bile from the gall bladder and liver into the small intestines. The bile enzyme aids in the digestion of fatty foods.
Following asbestos exposure, the asbestos fibres can get trapped in the bile ducts and cause a prolonged inflammatory response, which leads to the growth of cancerous cells inside the bile ducts.
Furthermore, asbestos exposure can increase the risk of fatality in patients already suffering from bile duct cancer. Most cases of bile duct cancer caused by exposure to asbestos are workplace or household related.
Malignant mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the pleura (the outer layer of the lungs). The cancerous mesothelioma tumor begins by growing on the outer lining of the lungs and then spreads to the remaining parts of the lungs and the chest cavity. According to the Cancer Research Institute, this case of cancer is closely associated with the accumulation of asbestos in one's body due to past exposures.
According to the Cancer Research Institute, Australia has the highest number of reported cases of malignant mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma can take anywhere between 20 and 40 years to develop and just as long for patients to experience symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for malignant mesothelioma yet.
Laryngeal cancer
This refers to cancer of the larynx, also known as the voice box or Adam's apple (in men). Aside from excessive drinking and smoking, asbestos exposure is another cause of laryngeal cancer. Also, excessive drinking and smoking alongside asbestos exposure would increase the risk of fatality in people with laryngeal cancer. The extent of asbestos exposure equally increases the risk of developing laryngeal cancer.
Cancers Indirectly Linked To Asbestos Exposure
These types of cancer are slightly or indirectly linked to asbestos. Here, asbestos exposure is a contributing factor and not the major cause of this type of cancer. Keep in mind that asbestos exposure can worsen the health condition of anyone already suffering from this category of cancer.
Such cancers include:
Throat or oesophageal cancer
Research carried out by the National Institute of Cancer confirmed that asbestos exposure is secondarily related to cancer of the throat or oesophagus (cancer of the larynx and pharynx). The asbestos exposure contributing to this cancer is mostly workplace-related.
Kidney cancer
Exposure to asbestos (especially in the workplace) can increase the risk of kidney cancer. During diagnoses conducted in the past, asbestos fibres were found present in the urinary tracts of patients reported to have experienced excessive exposure to asbestos at home or the workplace. Heavy asbestos exposure alongside smoking can lead to the growth of cancerous tumours in the kidney.
Gallbladder cancer
Getting too exposed to asbestos increases the risk of gallbladder cancer. The fibres could get trapped in the biliary tracts and make the patients more susceptible to the development of gallbladder cancer. In addition, people suffering from asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis are at more risk of gallbladder cancer.
Non-Cancerous Diseases Caused By Asbestos
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic disease found in the lungs and is caused by breathing in asbestos fibres for an extended period. The inhaled asbestos fibres get accumulated in the lungs, attack the lungs and cause them to scar. The scarring hardens the lung tissue, makes it rigid, and causes the lungs to malfunction because the rigidness makes them unable to expand and relax freely.
Asbestosis can become fatal and cause respiratory failure or even lead to death. There is no known cure for asbestosis. Commonly occurring signs of asbestosis include shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, tightness, and pain in the chest. It can take anywhere between 10 to 20 years for patients to experience symptoms.
Pleural plaques
This refers to calcium build-up (plaque) around the pleural membrane due to asbestos exposure. The build-up becomes thick and results in pain while breathing. Pleural plaques are found not to cause any health complications, but they can be hazardous for patients with underlying respiratory or pulmonary disease.
Pleuritis
Pleuritis is the inflammation of the surface of the pleura membrane caused by accumulated inhaled asbestos fibres. The inflammation causes the pleura surface to become swollen, rough, and rub against each other during breathing. The rubbing can cause severe pain in the chest or shoulder region. The pain is prominent while the patient is breathing or coughing.
Pleural effusion
This type of pleural disorder refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural membrane (usually in the chest cavity). The fluid collects between the lungs and the rib cage, which causes the lungs to compress and leads to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Pleural effusion is not life-threatening but can worsen over time. The treatment for this disease is usually draining out the accumulated fluid from the pleural membrane, followed by pleurodesis. Pleurodesis helps the pleural membrane stick together and prevents pleural effusion from reoccurring.
Pleural thickening
Another disease caused by asbestos exposure is pleural thickening. This refers to the thickening of the pleura or lining of the lungs. On inhalation, the asbestos fibres get trapped in the pleural membrane and could scar the lung tissue.
Pleural thickening can prevent an adequate flow of airflow from making its way into the lungs and cause them to malfunction. Pleural thickening might be a sign of severe exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain. This disease does not have a cure.
Peritoneal effusion
This refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal region. The treatment for peritoneal effusion involves draining out the accumulated fluid. Unfortunately, even after the accumulated fluid has been drained, the effusion can still reoccur if the primary cause is not well treated. Peritoneal effusion can be a sign of an underlying health condition or disease.
Pericardial effusion
This asbestos-related disease refers to the collection of excess fluid in the region around the heart. It could be a sign of underlying heart disease, health complications, or even a viral infection. The symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath, and the treatment includes draining out the accumulated fluid.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a lung disease that constricts the airways resulting in discomfort and difficulty in breathing. COPD might make the lungs weak. Asbestos does not directly cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but can increase the risk of it occurring.
Also, COPD can occur as a complication of asbestosis. COPD can increase the risk of cancers and diseases caused by asbestos exposure. Heavy smoking can make one vulnerable to asbestos-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Atelectasis
Atelectasis is the complete or partial collapse of the lungs. The entire lung or an area of the lung could collapse. The collapse happens when the air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli, get deflated or filled with alveolar fluid. Atelectasis is not primarily or directly caused by asbestos exposure; it is usually a complication due to other asbestos-related lung diseases.
Atelectasis can accompany pleural thickening or other pleural disorders. Also, a patient can develop Atelectasis resulting from breathing complications after heart surgery. This disease can make an existing respiratory disease worse or fatal.
Diagnosis Of Asbestos-Related Diseases
Tests and diagnoses will help detect asbestos exposure and the possible health risks. The diagnosis for diseases caused by asbestos exposure includes the following:
Chest X-rays
This test helps to determine the effects of asbestos exposure on the lungs. Furthermore, it helps detect early signs of lung diseases caused by asbestos exposure. A chest x-ray cannot detect the asbestos fibres but can conveniently recognise the damage caused to the lungs.
Lung function test
This test helps to examine how healthy and how well the lungs function. Here, the inhalation and exhalation volume of the lungs are checked. Additionally, the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen to the blood and the extent of damage is assessed.
A lung function test is crucial and is usually carried out before any lung surgery and medical procedures to determine if the lungs can tolerate it. This test also helps to determine the best procedure to treat lung diseases.
Physical examination
A physical examination includes examining the body for pains, swelling, and skin colour changes due to inadequate oxygen. You might be required to answer some questions about your symptoms and to give full details concerning your asbestos exposure.
Your healthcare provider might recommend further tests like a CT scan, bronchoscopy (inserting a tube down the airways for a detailed image), and testing a sample of the lung tissue (lung biopsy). If you suspect that you have been affected by asbestos, you do not have to wait for symptoms before going for a diagnosis. Following asbestos exposure, go for a lab test to determine the level of asbestos fibre in your body.
Treatments For Asbestos Related Diseases
Following a diagnosis, you might be required to get oxygen therapy and any other prescribed treatment. While undergoing treatment, there are a few things you can do. You can reach out to proper organisations for more information about asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases. Some of the organisations include:
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
• National Asbestos Exposure Register
• Asbestos Disease Society of Australia
• Lung Foundation Australia
• Cancer Council Australia
These health organisations work closely with local, state, and federal health channels and providers. They will provide you with extensive information on the causes and prevention of asbestos exposure and on how to properly manage asbestos-related diseases.
Some of these organisations run programs to financially assist persons suffering from asbestos-related diseases, like covering the medical bills for asbestos treatment. They can also offer compensation for victims of workplace asbestos exposures.
How To Prevent Further Asbestos Exposure
Further asbestos exposure would increase the risk of an already existing asbestos-related disease. It would cause the treatments not to yield results. Prevention of further asbestos exposure would ensure a good recovery.
Some of the ways that you can prevent household asbestos exposure include the following:
• Contract a certified home inspector to conduct inspections for the presence of asbestos fibres, especially before a DIY renovation.
• If you have any asbestos-containing materials in your home, constantly inspect them for wear and tear.
• If you uncover asbestos in your home, contact your local asbestos specialist to take care of it. Avoid removing asbestos by yourself.
• Old properties are more susceptible to asbestos contamination, and if you live in one, schedule air monitoring to ensure your indoor air is free of asbestos fibres.
Below is a list of some of the ways you can prevent workplace asbestos exposure:
• Ensure to take precautions and follow the safe work guidelines of Australia while handling asbestos or asbestos-containing materials at work.
• Wear protective gear when handling asbestos.
• Avoid sweeping asbestos dust. Instead, use a HEPA vacuum and a wet cleaning method to clean up the asbestos debris.
• Ensure to dispose of asbestos materials carefully and in authorised dump sites.
• If exposed to asbestos at the workplace, consult your health and safety representative or officer immediately.
Monitor Your Health If Diagnosed With Asbestos Disease
Regular medical check-ups would help you keep track of your health condition during the treatment of asbestos-related diseases. A long history of asbestos exposure can make you vulnerable to other major health complications, and consistent check-ups can help detect the early signs of these health complications.
Take note of any new symptoms and changes, and report back to your doctor. Moreover, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle would help improve your health. It is advisable to refrain from excessive drinking and smoking while treating any disease caused by asbestos exposure.
Most people are unaware of the effect asbestos exposures have on their health. Even a little asbestos exposure can be hazardous. Asbestos exposure should not be taken for granted; it should be treated as a medical emergency. Should you suspect asbestos products in your home or business are deteriorating, don't hesitate to contact a licenced professional to remove or maintain these asbestos products for you.
David
