Asbestos Poisoning Symptoms
asbestos poisoning
Asbestos poisoning refers to the health effects resulting from inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers. Unlike acute poisoning, asbestos-related illnesses develop over decades, making early detection challenging. The term is often used interchangeably with asbestos-related diseases, which include asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Common Diseases
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring of lung tissue, resulting in shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.
Lung cancer can also develop in individuals exposed to asbestos, especially smokers. Other conditions include pleural plaques (thickening of lung lining) and pleural effusion (fluid buildup).
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of asbestos poisoning may not appear for 20-50 years after exposure. They include persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and weight loss. Diagnosis involves imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans), pulmonary function tests, and sometimes biopsies.
There is no cure for most asbestos-related diseases, but treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis is key to better outcomes.
Prevention through avoiding exposure is the best way to reduce the risk of asbestos poisoning. Proper safety measures are essential in high-risk environments.