Asbestos is a fibrous material that is resistant to heat, chemicals and fire and doesn’t conduct electricity. It was once popular to use in the automotive, construction and other industries due to its versatility, but now it is banned in over 50 nations, as it may lead to serious health problems. There are several symptoms of asbestos exposure that are worth watching out for.
Asbestos Exposure Symptoms
When products that contain asbestos are disturbed, the material’s tiny fibers end up being released into atmosphere. When people breathe these fibers in, the fibers become trapped in their lungs and remain there for several years. As time passes, the fibers have the potential to accumulate and result in major problems. The chief symptom of asbestos exposure – particularly asbestosis, or lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos particles – is shortness of breath. Other symptoms might include chest pain or tightness; a persistent cough from which mucus is produced; a crackling, dry sound in the lungs while a person is inhaling; and the loss of appetite.
Cancer Symptoms
Another health issue that may be caused by asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer that impacts the lungs’, abdomen’s or chest cavity’s lining. Some noteworthy symptoms of lung mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Meanwhile, abdominal mesothelioma’s symptoms include fever, bowel obstruction, anemia, swelling/pain in a person’s abdomen, weight loss, and pain and swelling in his or her abdomen.
Lung cancer is another problem that may stem from exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer symptoms are coughing, unexplained weight loss, wheezing, anemia, hoarseness, persistent pain in the chest and difficulty breathing.
Diagnoses
Diagnosing health problems related to asbestos may take time. The process begins with a physical exam and medical history. A physician will then ask a person about his or her other medical issues and any history he or she has involving exposure to asbestos. Tests could be ordered based on the findings of the person’s history and exam; these tests include MRI, CT scans, lung function tests and X-rays of the abdomen and/or chest. With the help of a qualified asbestos removal company, though, these types of health issues associated with asbestos exposure can be avoided in the long term.
