At Check Asbestos, we have many years of experience in asbestos removal and a wealth of knowledge in relation to asbestos poisoning. In this article, we will cover asbestos poisoning, what it is, the impact it has and what to do if you believe you have been affected.
What Is Asbestos Poisoning?
Asbestos poisoning is also known as asbestosis and is a serious lung condition caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. Asbestos produces fine dust that is dangerous if inhaled however it would take several years of build-up and exposure to develop asbestos poisoning.
Where Can You Find Asbestos?
Asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999 but remains in many buildings built before this time as insulation, flooring, and roofing.
You are unlikely to have encountered asbestos unless you worked in the construction industry from the 1970s to the 90s, however as there is still much asbestos to be removed in the UK, a job that puts you at risk of removing or damaging asbestos heightens your chances of prolonged exposure, these include roles such as heating and ventilation engineers, demolition works, plumbers, construction workers and electricians.
Asbestos Poisoning Symptoms
Symptoms of asbestosis are like a chest infection or any symptoms of lung damage such as coughing and chest pain. However, it will take 20 to 30 years for symptoms to appear, and only after prolonged exposure over a few years in order to develop asbestos poisoning. In extreme cases, hands can become clubbed and swollen.
What To Do Next
Asbestosis can have a big impact on your life, but help is available. Consider your regular environments, when they were built, and if asbestos poisoning is a viable consideration to your symptoms. If you think you are developing asbestos poisoning and have looked into whether a place of work or home may have had asbestos, we recommend you go speak to your doctor. There is no cure for asbestos poisoning, but they can help show you how to live more comfortably with the condition.
Asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999 but remains in many buildings built before this time as insulation, flooring, and roofing.
You are unlikely to have encountered asbestos unless you worked in the construction industry from the 1970s to the 90s, however as there is still much asbestos to be removed in the UK, a job that puts you at risk of removing or damaging asbestos heightens your chances of prolonged exposure, these include roles such as heating and ventilation engineers, demolition works, plumbers, construction workers and electricians.
Symptoms of asbestosis are like a chest infection or any symptoms of lung damage such as coughing and chest pain. However, it will take 20 to 30 years for symptoms to appear, and only after prolonged exposure over a few years in order to develop asbestos poisoning. In extreme cases, hands can become clubbed and swollen.
Symptoms of asbestosis are like a chest infection or any symptoms of lung damage such as coughing and chest pain. However, it will take 20 to 30 years for symptoms to appear, and only after prolonged exposure over a few years in order to develop asbestos poisoning. In extreme cases, hands can become clubbed and swollen.
The effects of long-term exposure to asbestos typically don’t show up until 10 to 40 years after initial exposure. Symptoms can vary in severity. Asbestosis signs and symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- A persistent, dry cough
- Loss of appetite with weight loss
- Fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than normal (clubbing)
- Chest tightness or pain
When to see a doctor
If you have a history of exposure to asbestos and you’re experiencing increasing shortness of breath, talk to your doctor about the possibility of asbestosis.Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic
Causes
If you are exposed to high levels of asbestos dust over a long period of time, some of the airborne fibers can become lodged within your alveoli — the tiny sacs inside your lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in your blood. The asbestos fibers irritate and scar lung tissue, causing the lungs to become stiff. This makes it difficult to breathe.
As asbestosis progresses, more and more lung tissue becomes scarred. Eventually, your lung tissue becomes so stiff that it can’t contract and expand normally.
Smoking appears to increase the retention of asbestos fibers in the lungs, and often results in a faster progression of the disease.
Risk factors
People who worked in mining, milling, manufacturing, installation or removal of asbestos products before the late 1970s are at risk of asbestosis. Examples include:
- Asbestos miners
- Aircraft and auto mechanics
- Boiler operators
- Building construction workers
- Electricians
- Railroad workers
- Refinery and mill workers
- Shipyard workers
- Workers removing asbestos insulation around steam pipes in older buildings
Symptoms of asbestosis are like a chest infection or any symptoms of lung damage such as coughing and chest pain. However, it will take 20 to 30 years for symptoms to appear, and only after prolonged exposure over a few years in order to develop asbestos poisoning. In extreme cases, hands can become clubbed and swollen.
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