Health Risks Associated With Asbestos

Studies have revealed that exposure to asbestos poses a significant threat to human health with high risks. Despite its prominence in very many sectors, few people understand their risk by being exposed to it. Asbestos is known for its strength and ability to withstand high temperatures. These qualities make it suitable for manufacturing a wide range of products. Victims who contract exposure-related conditions are encouraged to seek legal help from experts experienced in this area.

Even though asbestos use is evident in many areas, some industries stand out for its application. Such industries use this mineral in large proportions to make their products. It will be essential to look at these industries and understand how they integrate asbestos into creating their products.

Manufacturing

There are products like motor vehicle brake pads that contain asbestos to regulate heat. Insulation products are also known to contain asbestos. Some of them are; fiberglass, polystyrene, and cellulose.

Shipbuilding and repair

Since asbestos resists corrosion and high temperature, it is convenient for boiler insulation, incinerators, hot water pipes, and steam pipes components within the ship.

Firefighting

Firefighters are sometimes forced to put off a fire in an old building. These buildings have components that contain traces of asbestos or are purely made of asbestos, for instance, some roofing materials. When this personnel inhales the dust emanating from such damages, the asbestos fibers are automatically introduced into their system.

Construction

Construction workers are highly exposed to asbestos because of some of the materials they used to contain this mineral. Cement, window putty, flooring, roofing, and ceiling tiles are among the long list products.

Continued exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems to the person involved. Some diseases associated with exposure to this mineral are so deadly, and the much you can do is manage them.

The two leading asbestos disease groups are:

Non-cancerous diseases

They are abnormal cell growth and will not spread to other body parts. Common are asbestososis and pleural spots.

Cancerous diseases

Such diseases are usually aggressive, and there is no cure for them. The much that can be done is treatment and management to reduce the pain and prolong the affected life. They include; lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, and stomach cancer. Mesothelioma cancer is probably the least known in this category. This cancer type affects the inner lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Inhaled asbestos fibers cause it.

In the unfortunate event that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is advisable to take critical steps in ensuring that you adequately manage this situation. The practical steps that can help you attain this goal are;

• Confirm diagnosis to ascertain results.
• Learn more about mesothelioma. Understanding your condition is central to evaluating doctors’ options and settling for the best treatment.
• Establish a treatment course that would best deal with the nature of your condition. The most common treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
• Establish valuable resource for resources for assistance.
• Create a support network to help you navigate this challenge. They can be relatives or friends willing to help in duties like driving and cooking.

Taking safety precautions is key to minimizing asbestos exposure. With the deadly dangers involved in the continued use of this mineral, it is critical for relevant authorities to monitor its use to save lives.