1 Jan 2016
Asbestosis is an occupational lung disease. It is a chronic pneumoconiosis illness that affects parenchymal tissue, causing fibrosis or scarring.
Cause
As the name itself suggests it, this affection is closely related to Asbestos, especially for workers who handle it or have long term exposure to it (manufacturing, handling or removal).
Asbestosis is caused by inhalation of thin fibres that are able to penetrate deeply into the lung, ending in the air sacs (alveoli). The scar tissue is a result of the body’s immune system that tries to reject the foreign fibres. The “defensive cells” progressively thicken the alveolar walls, eventually diminishing the lungs’ capacity.
Signs & symptoms
Asbestos exposure effects have a delayed action. It may take up to 20 or 30 years for the symptoms to develop.
The symptoms are:
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- chest pain
- inspiratory rales
The symptoms vary depending on the severity of the disease, the length of the exposure and the patient’s characteristics. None of the symptoms are unique and any of them can be associated with other Asbestos unrelated affections like Pleural Mesothelioma or Pneumonia.
Many of the unpleasant symptoms can be handled, but, unfortunately, there is no curative treatment for this illness.
Prevention
The best way to avoid Asbestos contamination is to reduce exposure as much as possible. Asbestos usage was strictly prohibited some time ago, but there are many buildings that have this component in their structure. In some of them it can be harmless and its removal is not recommended. On the other hand, some buildings pose a significant risk of exposure with the removal being mandatory.
Asbestos handling is very hazardous and, in order to avoid the Asbestosis or other related disease, it is best to hire professionals for the following:
» Abestos Exposure
» Asbestos Regulations
» Asbestos Fibre Monitoring
» Asbestos Risk Assessment
» Asbestos Abatement