Asbestos Related Illness Info

Asbestos became well known in the 70s. However, asbestos was used decades before this. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that was used as early as 3000 BC. Surprisingly, asbestos was found to be dangerous early on. Even so, the United States used asbestos in many industries. From home construction to industrial buildings, asbestos was used in most materials. Today, we know the dangers of asbestos and continue to find it in homes, businesses, and even newer materials. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and severe respiratory disorders. Many do not know they were exposed, as asbestos lies dormant for decades before it wreaks havoc on the body.

Some of the first to use asbestos fibers were Egyptians, Persians, and Romans. It was mainly used in clothing, insulation, and pottery. In 50 AD, the fiber was named asbestos by a Roman scholar. Asbestos illnesses were first seen in slaves that worked around the substance. By 1828 AD the United States patented asbestos and began using it in construction. In 1906 AD the first asbestos related illness was mentioned in medical literature.  Asbestos-related illnesses were revealed in The Journal of the American Medical Association in 1964 AD. Finally, in 1979, the EPA announces asbestos is a carcinogen and begins to ban its use in all substances.

Asbestos has caused illnesses for decades, and it is still being used in products. If you have any lasting respiratory symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately! Asbestos exposure can lead to many severe illnesses. It is important to have an asbestos test completed on your home or business to prevent further contamination. Even newer homes should be tested, as asbestos is still seen in newer materials. Protect your family with a simple test! For more information check out our other blogs, or give us a call to setup an asbestos test.

When discussing asbestos, the main ailment that comes to mind is mesothelioma. We see it on commercials, in papers, and even on social media. Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma. We know how dangerous cancer is, but what other illnesses are caused by asbestos exposure? Mesothelioma may be the worst, but asbestos causes a plethora of other illnesses. Below Asbestos Abatement Services will discuss these illnesses and what you should do if you have any symptoms.

Pleural Plaques

Pleural plaques show little to no symptoms and are the most common illness caused by asbestos exposure. Pleural plaques are not cancerous and but causes fibrous thickening of the lungs. This usually happens around 30 years after exposure. Pleural plaques can cause respiratory issues and possibly lead to more serious illnesses.

Benign Asbestos Pleural Effusions

Pleural Effusions are caused by fluid buildup in the visceral and parietal pleura. This usually happens within ten years of exposure. If left untreated, it may turn into diffuse pleural thickening

Diffuse Pleural Thickening 

Diffuse pleural thickening is when the visceral pleura thickens and restricts lung use. It also limits lung capacity. This illness happens decades after exposure and can cause many respiratory problems. Trouble breathing is one of the most common effects of diffuse pleural thickening.

All the above illnesses usually cause the following problems:

• Respiratory Problems
• Tightening of Chest
• Trouble Breathing
• Cough
• Swelling

However, sometimes there are no real symptoms. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, it is crucial that you consult a doctor.

These asbestos related illnesses are not as severe as mesothelioma, but they can wreak havoc on your body. If you have trouble breathing or have a persistent cough, see a doctor immediately. A doctor can treat the symptoms and watch for any other asbestos related illnesses. The above can turn into a more serious illness, such as mesothelioma. By staying on top of your health, you can work to prevent further problems from developing.

When discussing asbestos, we normally talk about men and mesothelioma or other asbestos related problems. The main reason is that men were more likely to be in constant contact with asbestos through blue-collar jobs. These jobs included construction, insulators, and even firefighters. However, there are women who also have mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. The trend of women having more asbestos related illnesses has risen over the years. Women being exposed to asbestos comes from different scenarios.

Asbestos transfers easily from one place to the next. If floats easily through air, clothing, and even skin. Men who had jobs where asbestos was used, normally brought the fibers home on their clothing and skin. Women and children were exposed daily to small amounts of asbestos fibers from family. Women and children would hug their loved ones or do laundry, and become exposed. Sadly, asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to show up. Once you are exposed, asbestos doesn’t disappear. It stays in your system. Years after being exposed, women began to have lung and respiratory issues. They also were diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is a cancer caused by asbestos fibers. Many were confused as to why women were getting illnesses from asbestos. After further research, it was found how dangerous asbestos fibers were. It was also seen how easily asbestos could transfer from one person to the next.

If you lived or were in contact with a worker who likely was exposed to asbestos, you should be checked out by a doctor immediately. Even if you do not have symptoms, you should be checked! Asbestos could be doing damage to your body without you knowing. Asbestos is known as a silent killer, mainly because you cannot see it and it takes over your body without any symptoms. A doctor will be able to start treatment quickly if you have been exposed and hopefully, save you from years of miserable respiratory problems.

If you have an asbestos related illness, it is harder for you to stay healthy. Asbestos Abatement Services cares about you and wants you to stay as healthy as possible. Therefore, we have created a list of things you can do to keep yourself from getting sick this winter. Winter breeds illnesses, but for those with asbestos-related illnesses, being sick could be life threatening. Let us help you stay safe this winter!

• Bundle Up

One of the best ways to keep healthy is by layering your clothes. By getting too cold, you are compromising your lungs and general health. Keep warm when you go outside by putting on a hat, gloves, and a scarf. If you are going to be outside for a while doing an activity, bring a blanket along.

• Keep Your Lungs Safe

Asbestos related illnesses usually deal with the lungs. It is important to protect your lungs this winter. By breathing through your nose, you allow warmer air to enter your lungs. A cold blast of air could shock your lungs. Use a hood or scarf to protect your mouth and nose. Make sure you get a flu and pneumonia shot to protect you from serious illness. If you feel sick, see your doctor immediately, don’t hold off, hoping it will get better.

• Keep your Heat On

Having your home’s temperature set at a regular warm temperature is important. If your home is too cold, it can cause your lungs to become inflamed. Make sure you dress warm and keep your home warm. If you get hot at night, turn it down, but don’t go below 66 degrees. You should also dress warmly when sleeping.

• Be Active

Being active makes you healthier over all. Simple exercising in your home or short walks outside can do your immune system wonders. If you have a serious lung condition, don’t overdo it. A walk around your home could do wonders for your well-being.

• Wash Your Hands Regularly

Always wash your hands. Germs are contacted most through touch. If you are out in public, wash your hands often and carry anti-bacterial hand sanitizer. This simple gesture could keep you from getting sick this winter.

Winter brings a lot of illnesses. Colds, the flu, and respiratory illnesses are all common during the winter. Sadly, your winter illness could be asbestos exposure. Many people are diagnosed with winter illnesses when in reality they are sick from asbestos exposure. Below Asbestos Abatement will help you understand the differences.

What are some of the symptoms that are the same?

Asbestos and regular winter illnesses have a lot of the same symptoms. Some of those symptoms include:

• Allergies
• Coughing
• Fever
• Aching
• Respiratory Problems
• Sneezing
• Itchy Eyes
• Fatigue

These symptoms are both from asbestos and regular winter illnesses. How do you find out if it is asbestos or just common winter sicknesses?

Have an Asbestos Test

This is a simple test that is done on your entire home. It helps to see if your home has asbestos and what should be done about it. You should only have testing from a certified and licensed asbestos abatement company.

See a Doctor

If your winter illnesses have gone on for more than a week and are relatively constant, it could mean you have been exposed to asbestos or possibly mold. Either one is very dangerous. It is important if you think you have been exposed to tell your doctor. They will need to run specialized tests.

What are symptoms of asbestos exposure that do not mimic allergies?

Some of the symptoms of asbestos exposure do not act like any other illness. The symptoms are severe and can be life threating. 

• Swelling of the Neck and Face
• Crackling Cough
• Cancer
• Infections of the Lining of your Abdomen, Lungs, and Heart
• Severe Respiratory Problems

The above are serious illnesses, and you should be seen by a doctor immediately. If you think you have been exposed or have any of the symptoms above, see a doctor. Time could be of the essence.

Asbestos kills about 5000 people a year. This is not a guess; this is a fact. Asbestos is silently killing people, while they work or even sit at home. It has become a serious issue that is finally getting some media attention. Asbestos was used in building supplies as late as the 90s. This means that many homes and businesses still have asbestos in them. It also could mean that construction companies still have materials that contain asbestos. This is very dangerous.

The only way to find out if your home or business has asbestos is through extensive testing by a professional asbestos removal company. Asbestos Abatement is here to give you some information on asbestos and what you should do.

Asbestos isn’t visible, you cannot look at asbestos materials and know that is what they are. It takes a special test to determine if asbestos is present. It could be staring you in the face and you would never know. Asbestos could be in your insulation, your floor tiling, and even your ceiling.

Once asbestos begins to break down or become friable, it starts to cause serious problems. It is easily transferred on clothing and through your ventilation system. It is small enough to be inhaled or swallowed without knowing. The only way you know, is once you become ill from too much exposure.

Asbestos exposure has a special set of symptoms that are the same as a common cold, allergies, or COPD. It is hard to know the difference unless you seek medical attention. Then, you should probably mention that you may have been exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos can lay dormant in your body for years. Then it can turn into lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis. All of the above are severe health problems that could result in death. For your family and your sake, you should have an asbestos test done on your home. If you work in the construction business, you should see a doctor if you have any symptoms.

Asbestos is a dangerous fiber. Everyone has heard how dangerous it can be, but do people realize that it causes serious illnesses, such as cancer and possibly death? The short answer is, NO. People think the media blows asbestos out of proportion. Asbestos Abatement is here to give you the information you deserve. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is known to be caused by asbestos. Below are the symptoms and types.

Sadly, many of the symptoms of mesothelioma are minor and are mistaken for allergies or other respiratory problems. Some of the symptoms are:

• Dry Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Fatigue
• Pain in the Stomach or Chest
• Swallowing Difficulties
• Fluid Buildup 
• Weight Loss 
• Bowel Obstruction 

Mesothelioma has three different types. Each one affects a certain area of the body. Surgery, Chemotherapy, and radiation are the most common ways to treat mesothelioma. Some are used in conjunction with others through a specific treatment plan. The types of mesothelioma are as follows:

• Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The second most common type of mesothelioma and it attacks the abdomen.

• Pericardial Mesothelioma

The lining of the heart is affected by this type of mesothelioma. This type is the hardest to treat, as it is in such a sensitive area.

• Pleural Mesothelioma

The lining of the lung is affected by pleural mesothelioma. This type is the most common.

Once you have been exposed to asbestos, it easily becomes trapped in the pleura of your abdomen and lungs. The fibers also affect the lining of the heart. Fluid buildup and scarring occurs as the asbestos fiber remain inside the body. The fibers attack your system and cause biological problems that end with cancer. If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Many people do not realize they have been in contact with asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma can be treated if caught early. The survival rates are low, but the odds are better if caught before it becomes too severe.

Asbestos is in the media and on everyone’s mind. We all know it causes cancer, but what other illnesses are caused from asbestos exposure? Respiratory illnesses are the number one medical condition caused by asbestos. Asbestos Abatement Services is going to show you’re the symptoms and signs of asbestosis, which is commonly thought to be seasonal allergies. Knowing these symptoms could save you or someone else’s life.

• Breathing with Rattling

Asbestos causes your lungs to become inflamed and for them to scar. As the asbestos fibers blocks oxygen, a cough will occur. Coughing can range from noisy to loud and may even have a rattling sound to it.

• Shortness of Breath 

Shortness of breath is the primary symptom of asbestosis. As you inhale asbestos dust and fibers it constricts your lungs. This can make you breathless and fatigued. This symptom is common in allergies and other respiratory illnesses. If you have other symptoms, check with your doctor.

• Swelling

Inhaling asbestos can increase your blood pressure and also cause excess fluid around the lungs and heart. This will cause swelling around the neck and face.

• Swollen Abdomen

Asbestos in the body can cause major problems. Fluid can buildup in the abdomen from asbestos inhalation. This can not only cause tenderness and swelling, but loss of appetite and weight loss.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, consult with a doctor. You should also contact an asbestos removal company to check your home for asbestos. Asbestos exposure if very dangerous to your health. If you have been exposed, it is important to remove everyone from your home and let the professionals remove you’re the asbestos from your home. Before choosing your asbestos removal company it is important to make sure they are licensed and certified to remove asbestos in your state. Learn more about the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.