Asbestos, once widely used for its fire-resistant properties, has become a notorious name in the world of occupational health. While its use has been significantly reduced in recent decades, the dangers of asbestos exposure remain a serious concern. This mineral can cause a range of devastating health problems, often taking years or even decades to manifest.
What is Asbestos and How Does Exposure Occur?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals composed of long, thin fibers. These fibers are resistant to heat, electricity, and chemicals, making them ideal for various industrial applications in the past. Unfortunately, these same properties also make them incredibly hazardous to human health.
Exposure to asbestos primarily occurs through inhalation. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, these tiny fibers become airborne and can be easily inhaled deep into the lungs. People at highest risk include those who have worked in industries that used asbestos extensively, such as construction, shipbuilding, and automotive repair. However, secondary exposure can also occur when family members of asbestos workers breathe in contaminated fibers brought home on clothing or hair.
Read more: Advantages of Professional Asbestos Testing Compared With a Do-It-Yourself Test
The Long Shadow: How Asbestos Impacts Your Health
The health effects of asbestos exposure are not immediate. It can take 10 to 30 years, or even longer, for symptoms to develop. The severity of these effects depends on several factors, including the level and duration of exposure, the type of asbestos fibers inhaled, and individual susceptibility.
Here’s a closer look at some of the major health consequences associated with asbestos exposure:
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by scarring of the lung tissue. Asbestos fibers irritate and damage the lungs, leading to the formation of scar tissue. This scar tissue thickens over time, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, fatigue, and wheezing. Asbestosis is a progressive disease that can significantly impair a person’s quality of life and can eventually be fatal.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) [1], asbestosis usually occurs in people who have had very high exposures over a long time. There is currently no cure for asbestosis, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve breathing function.
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen and other internal organs. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location of the cancer, but they often include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, and abdominal pain.
The American Cancer Society [2] states that mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer, and the prognosis for people with this disease is often poor. There is no known cure for mesothelioma, but treatment options can help manage symptoms and extend life expectancy.
- Lung Cancer: Exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, even for people who have never smoked. Asbestos fibers can damage the cells lining the lungs, making them more susceptible to cancerous changes. Symptoms of lung cancer can vary depending on the stage of the disease, but they may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, and fatigue.
The National Cancer Institute [3] points out that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving the chances of survival.
Protecting Yourself from Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos use is now heavily regulated in many countries, but it’s important to be aware of potential risks, especially if you work in or around buildings constructed before 1990. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
- If you work in a construction or renovation job:
- Be aware of the potential for asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and learn how to identify them.
- Employers are required by law to have an asbestos management plan in place to protect workers from exposure.
- Always follow recommended safety procedures when working with or around ACMs.
- If you are concerned about asbestos in your home:
- Do not disturb or attempt to remove ACMs yourself. Hire a certified asbestos professional for inspection and abatement if necessary.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [4] provides a wealth of information on asbestos safety and regulations.
Living with Asbestos Exposure: Early Detection and Support
If you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential health risks and to schedule regular checkups with your doctor. Early detection of asbestos-related diseases can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
