Asbestos Poisoning is caused when Asbestos, a group of minerals, which naturally occur in the environment get into the lungs. The fibers in asbestos can be separated in to durable, thin threads and these fibers have the capacity to resist chemicals, fire, and heat and it do not conduct electricity. Asbestos is widely used in many industries due to these properties. People in North America started the mining and commercial use of asbestos since the end of 1800s. It is extensively used in building and construction industries for strengthening plastics, cements and for sound absorption, fire proofing, roofing, insulation, adhesives, coatings, paints, floor tiles, etc.
Due to the excessive release of fibers in environment during the process of gas fireplaces and wallboard patching compounds, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in late 1970s, banned asbestos in using these purposes. All new usages of asbestos were banned by the US Environment protection Agency in 1989, because of the increasing concern with Asbestos Poisoning
Asbestos Poisoning & Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the first cancer associated with asbestos and it occurs due to the exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma, rectal cancer, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, laryngeal cancer, throat cancer, asbestosis, etc are the other serious diseases linked with asbestos. When you inhale asbestos fibers, they may stay in your lungs for a long period of time and they accumulate and cause inflammation and scarring, which affects breathing and leads to serious health problems. Asbestosis is the other types of asbestos related lung disease, which is the process of wide spread scaring of lungs. Asbestos lung cancer either affects the internal portions of lungs or outer lining or pleura.
Asbestos related lung diseases were very high in the middle of 20th century because of the exposure to asbestos for decades. Asbestos Poisoning, lung cancer and other diseases related to asbestos were observed at the first time among the British asbestos workers. People working in mines, mills, factories, building and construction and those who engaged in automotive repair, boiler making, construction, pipe fitting, launders of asbestos containing clothes, etc are at high risk of exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms of Asbestos Poisoning Related Lung Diseases
The symptoms of Asbestos Poisoning related diseases appear only after 20 years of more. Once they started appearing, they grow very fast. Some of the symptoms related to Asbestos lung cancer are:
* wheezing,
* Shortness of breath,
* Hoarness,
* Persistent cough,
* Pain or tightening in chest,
* Swelling in neck or face,
* Difficulty in swallowing,
* Fatigue,
* Anemia,
* Weight loss,
* Loss of appetite, etc.
Asbestos Poisoning Lung Cancer Treatment
Asbestos lung cancer can be diagnosed by using lung function tests, chest X-rays, lung biopsy, computed tomography, etc. Just like the traditional methods of curing cancers, asbestos lung cancer can also be treated by using radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. If detects earlier, the chances of survival is very high. However, it is very difficult to diagnose asbestos related lung diseases in an early stage because the symptoms appear only after 20 or 30 years. But your doctor can help you to increase your life expectancy and alleviate the symptoms.
Asbestos Poisoning Precautionary Measures
If you are working in service, manufacturing, construction, and maritime workplaces, and the exposure to asbestos is indispensable, you can take some precautionary measures, which are put forward by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is the duty of your employers to provide protective equipment, like respirators that are approved by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to the employees. You are entitled for compensation if you are suffering from asbestos related diseases due to exposure of asbestos from workplaces. You can also file a lawsuit and seek compensation if your loved one died from mesothelioma or other Asbestos Poisoning related lung diseases.
