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Asbestos And Lung Cancer - What Is
The Connection?
Asbestos has been used extensively
as an insulating material in building construction for many years. Only
recently were newer materials introduced in the market, such as
fiberglass, in place of asbestos.
Diseases may result when large amounts of fine asbestos fibers become
accumulated in the lungs. This fatal disease is more commonly known as
asbestosis. The disease is often found in workers engaged in the mining
or processing of asbestos. Various trades involved with asbestos
include pipefitting, shipbuilding and the construction industry. In
addition to its use in insulation, it is also used in fire smothering
blankets and safety clothing, in gas masks, as plastic filler material
and in cement and floor tiles. Today, demolition workers and home
renovators working on older buildings put themselves at high risk from
the toxicity of this substance.
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One of the most fatal toxicities of
asbestos is its effect on breathing
and the pathogenesis of lung cancer. The lungs are the primary targets
of asbestos toxicity. Breathing may become progressively more difficult
and laborious and this may ultimately lead to lung cancer. Initially,
the individual may only experience a chronic, dry cough. As the disease
progresses, symptoms may vary from shortness of breath and decreased
exercise tolerance to chest pains. These symptoms are not exclusive to
asbestosis, but a history of exposure will help the physician make the
right and acute diagnosis of this disease.
One rare form of lung cancer that appears to be unique among people
exposed to asbestos is known as mesothelioma. This cancer affects the
lining of the lungs or abdomen. The association of asbestos exposure
and malignant mesothelioma has been well documented. Approximately 80%
of mesothelioma patients have a long history of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is a malignant disease that
may not appear for as many as
20 to 50 years following the exposure to asbestos. This type of
malignancy has a high fatality rate. The relation between asbestos
exposure and mesothelioma is so close that the occurrence of this
malignancy may be grounds for occupational compensation.
Unfortunately, there has yet been no cure for asbestosis or
mesothelioma. It is imperative that you document all work activities
and any other sources of possible exposure to asbestos. Keep in mind
that exposure may have been many years ago.
The substance may have been inhaled from the clothes of another person
who has worked with asbestos. An abnormal chest X ray may suggest
exposure to asbestos. This does not necessarily mean that you have
asbestos lung cancer. Not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos
will develop lung cancer.
If you are a young or middle-aged worker who works with asbestos, it is
important to follow recommended safety precautions. Wear approved
facemasks and breathing instruments that filter out the asbestos
fibers. Be certain that all areas of your body are covered and take
extra care to minimize your contact with the outside of the clothes you
wear when working with asbestos.
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