Asbestosis is a chronic inflammation and scarring of the lungs caused by heavy exposure to asbestos fibres, and it can be deadly. So just what are the symptoms of asbestosis? While we are not medical professionals, we have put together a few key points to consider if you or someone you know may have recently come across or come into contact with asbestos. Firstly, let’s look into what asbestos is:
What is Asbestos?
There are six varieties of asbestos, all of which are made up of fibrous crystals. Each asbestos fibre contains microscopic “fibrils” that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes. These asbestos fibres can be easily inhaled and over a long time have an increased risk of severe cases of asbestos\-related diseases, including damage to the lung tissue, lung disease and lung cancer, asbestosis, diseases in the ovaries and larynx, and increased risk of cancer and mesothelioma in those exposed.
Used from the 1940s until 1987 as a popular building material, asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that, when ingested, can cause serious injuries to the lungs and even lung disease and cancers. Due to its heat and fire resistance, Australia was one of the highest users of Asbestos back in the day, and as a result, we are still seeing cases of asbestosis to this day.
Asbestos can be found in most homes and in rivers, mountains, ships, construction sites, and more. Most of the asbestos you will encounter in your life will be through its use as an insulator. This means that if you have ever worked on breaking or removing a wall in an old building, you could have been exposed. If you are planning on renovating your house, make sure to keep to the recommended safety precautions. This goes double for workers in the construction/demolition field as the likelihood of encountering asbestos increases dramatically.
What is Asbestosis and What Are The Symptoms of Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by asbestos dust inhalation, characterised by extreme fibrosis and a high risk of mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura). Asbestos causes up to 80% of known mesothelioma cases, and its fear factor is only matched by how easily people can be affected by it. Common symptoms of asbestosis can include, but are not limited to:
- Respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, persistent cough.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Swollen fingertips.
- Chest pain or shoulder pain.
Are Asbestosis and Mesothelioma the same?
While both are diseases linked to the exposure of Asbestos, they are not the same. The main difference is that Asbestosis is a disease that only affects the respiratory tracts and the lungs but is not cancerous. Whereas, Mesothelioma affects the lungs and abdomen and is, unfortunately, cancerous and incurable.
The Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The cancer linked to asbestos exposure, more commonly known as Mesothelioma, is slow-acting cancer, taking roughly 20 – 50 years of prolonged exposure, to develop and take effect fully.
There are a few early signs when it comes to mesothelioma, but you most likely won’t notice anything until it has had a chance to develop. While reading this, if you believe you suffer most of the symptoms listed below, it is recommended to talk to a doctor specialising in mesothelioma as early treatment has the highest chance of recovery.
In the early stages, dry throat, shortness of breath, chest pains and or fluid buildup can arise. The later stages get more intense with more consistent pain, anemia, fast weight loss, difficulty swallowing, bowel movements, and more.
How to prevent Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a challenging variant of cancer, but some methods can help prevent and stop it from developing or occurring.
As mesothelioma is most commonly caused by asbestos, having safety measures to reduce contact is the best approach. Proper handling and care are the best methods for stopping mesothelioma. If you work on construction sites, make sure always to wear a face mask when interacting with asbestos. This is because mesothelioma can only occur when asbestos enters the lungs and attaches itself to the lining. For people who plan to change the insulation or want to remove a wall, the best action is to call a professional who knows everything about removing asbestos.
Get Help with Proper Disposal of Asbestos
If you need a company that can dispose of the asbestos and makes an area of your environment safe again, then Kwik Skips is the best option. Being the best skip bin hire Perth, we make sure you can breathe safely. At Kwik Skips, we are known for our excellent quality skip bins, and we understand the need to have this dangerous material removed from your home ASAP. That’s why at Kwik Skips, we can collect the skip bin containing asbestos and dispose of it in a safe, council-approved location. All skip bins Perth hired through Kwik Skips to dispose of asbestos must adhere to the strict asbestos regulations set out by the Department of the Environment and Energy.