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Asbestos Poisoning

Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious disease of the lungs caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers on the job, in your home, or in another contaminated environment. Prolonged or acute exposure to asbestos in the air can lead to the build up of asbestos fibers in the lungs, which can cause lung tissue scarring and significant breathing problems.

As with other diseases caused by asbestos, such as mesothelioma, the symptoms of asbestosis typically do not appear for many years after exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, once the symptoms of asbestos appear, the progression of the disease is fairly rapid and can lead to significant impairment and even death if not treated.

Who develops asbestosis?
The people most likely to develop asbestosis are those who have worked with or around asbestos containing materials for long periods of time. Those in the shipping business, construction workers, custodial and maintenance workers, industry employees, automotive technicians, electricians, and abatement professionals are among those with the greatest risk for developing asbestosis. An estimated ten million people have been exposed to asbestos since the 1940s.

Most people who develop asbestosis were exposed to asbestos on the job or in the home prior to the strict regulation of this material by the federal government. While asbestos had been a known hazard for well over a decade, it wasn’t until the late 1970s that the government actually stepped in to regulate its use.

While asbestos is used much less frequently today, it still poses a risk of causing asbestosis in those who are exposed to existing asbestos containing materials. Nowadays, one of the biggest risks of asbestos exposure is during the removal of old asbestos material from existing buildings.

Symptoms of asbestosis
The symptoms of asbestosis do not typically appear until 20 to 30 years after exposure to significant amounts of asbestos. These symptoms, though similar to those of other respiratory conditions, are unique in the way they develop slowly over years. The following are common symptoms of asbestosis:

• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath; often begins just during exertion and later occurs even at rest
• Decreased ability to be physically active
• Clubbing of the fingers (in some cases)

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and have developed any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor about the possibility of asbestosis. They can take the necessary medical steps necessary to protect your health.