Asbestos and the Lungs
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has been used for over 4500 years. Asbestos is one of the most useful and versatile materials known to mankind because of its flexibility, tensile strength, insulation (from heat and electricity) and chemical inertness. Asbestos is now a banned substance in Australia due to its dangerous effects on the lungs and its connection to lung cancer.
WHERE WAS ASBESTOS USED?
Asbestos was used in:
- fibro-sheeting
- corrugated roofing
- asbestos cement pipes
- thermal insulation
- fireproofing.
- paints and sealants
- textiles such as felts and theatre curtains
- friction products like brake linings and clutches
- building of hospitals, schools and libraries.
WHO WAS MOST AT RISK OF ASBESTOS EXPOSURE?
Throughout the middle of the 20th century, asbestos-related lung disease occurred at very high rates because people were exposed decades earlier to asbestos. Most current patients were once exposed to asbestos in:
- mines
- mills
- factories
- homes building or renovating
- automotive repair
- boilermaking
- construction
- pipefitting
- launderers of asbestos-containing clothing
HOW DOES ASBESTOS GET INTO THE LUNGS
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time.
Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems including lung disease.
DIAGNOSING ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.
- A persistent cough that gets worse over time.
- Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs.
- Pain or tightening in the chest.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Swelling of the neck or face.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue or anemia.
Physical examinations including lung function tests and a chest x-ray may be recommended by your physician.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE HAD EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS?
Speak with your GP – and ask about a screening. This may include chest x-rays, CT scans and/or lung function testing.
Your GP may also decide to refer you to a thoracic physician who is a specialist in lung disease.
SOME COMMON LUNG DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH ASBESTOS
ASBESTOSIS
Inflammation in the lung tissue leading to fibrosis. The lung stiffens and cuts down the passage of oxygen between the air and the blood.
MESOTHELIOMA
A cancerous tumor of the lining of the lung and chest cavity (pleura).
PLEURAL PLAQUES
Smooth, white, raised irregular areas of fibrous collagen tissue that develop on the pleura (lining of the lung).
ASBESTOS RESEARCH GROUP
In conjunction with the Wesley Research Institute, the Asbestos Research Group was formed in June 2008. Karen Banton, widow of mesothelioma victim and campaigner Bernie Banton, is a patron of this new organisation.
Unique in Queensland, the group seeks to facilitate research and raise awareness of asbestosis and asbestos-related diseases both to the medical fraternity and the general community, with the aims of improving treatment and enhancing quality of life of those affected.
Currently new research programmes are being developed.
IF YOU ARE AFFECTED WE WOULD WELCOME YOUR POTENTIAL PARTICIPATION IN FUTURE PROJECTS. REFERRALS WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTED BY TREATING MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
You can also help by donating to the Asbestos Research Group to help fund medical research that offers hope to sufferers of asbestos-related diseases would be appreciated.
All donations over $2 are completely tax deductible and will be acknowledged by an official receipt.
To find out more, visit the Asbestos Research Group page.