August 2020

Health

All You Need to Know About Asbestos

Tony Mcdowell

Asbestos is known to poses a variety of health hazards. This traditional building material enters the body as you inhale. This means that any piece of asbestos that does not release some fine fibers, which rarely happens, is safe. It is worth noting that any piece of asbestos that can be crumbled easily poses the greatest danger. And physical damage and exposure to inclement weather are bound to make asbestos even more dangerous.

It is almost impossible to destroy asbestos fibers once they land in the body. As such, this means that they remain in the body tissues, causing diseases. The severity of the health problem depends on variables such as duration of exposure, age, and lifestyle. As such, this asbestos awareness course recommends that you should always try to take measures aimed at minimizing your exposure.

While there are various diseases associated with asbestos exposure, it mainly causes these three diseases.

Asbestosis

This is a severe respiratory ailment that results when asbestos fibers aggravate and scar lung tissues. This condition results in shortness of breath and a dry crackling sound in the lungs when you inhale. At an advanced stage, this condition might result in cardiac arrest.

Individuals working or living in environments that are contaminated with asbestos fibers are at risk of this ailment. Considering that there is no known treatment for this disabling condition, the best thing that you can do is ensure you take the necessary precautions to limit exposure.

Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure also puts you at risk of lung cancer. This is evidenced by the worrying statistics among people who work with asbestos. It is worth noting that a combination of asbestos and other known carcinogens such as cigarette smoke significantly improves the chances of developing lung cancer. Some of the known symptoms of lung cancer include coughing and difficulties in breathing.

Mesothelioma

This is a rare form of cancer in the membranes lining the chest, lungs, and abdomen. Though uncommon, it might also affect the heart. It is worth noting that almost every case of mesothelioma can be linked with exposure to asbestos. It is worth noting that this ailment is common to people who work with asbestos. It might also affect people living in contaminated environments, depending on the magnitude of exposure.

Exposure to asbestos gradually increases the burden of asbestos in the body. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that you avoid or minimize your exposure if you have to.…