Asbestos Poisoning: How to Identify Symptoms and Take Precautions

As per a trusted study, asbestos is the cause of approximately 255,000 deaths in the US. It is usually found in soil and rock. For several years, people have been using the material for several purposes, including - making candle wicks and fabric fiber.

As asbestos has high fiber strength and is heat resistant, it was also used for building and construction purposes - before the 1970s. Though today as well, it is used in several fields - asbestos exposure poses a number of health concerns - especially when it is inhaled.

Asbestos stays in your lungs for a long period of time, which can lead to severe negative health concerns such as - inflammation and scarring. According to experts, asbestos is present in millions of homes constructed prior to 1980 and 20% of public and commercial buildings in the US.

Apart from lung issues, there are several health concerns caused by asbestos when they are disposed of irresponsibly. Hence, it is advisable to dispose of the asbestos properly with the help of an asbestos removal company.

Did you know asbestos symptoms are not seen immediately? So, in this blog, we have discussed various signs of asbestos and what actions to take!

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Signs To Look To See If You Have Asbestos Poisoning

Any type of asbestos exposure - be it primary or secondary - can result in several symptoms. When asbestos is breathed in - it can get stuck to the lungs - causing irritation, pain and respiratory problems. Also, asbestosis frequently affects other parts of the body.

So, to ensure you know if there’s asbestos poisoning - here are the signs of asbestos poisoning to look for -

Weight Loss And Appetite Loss: Asbestos exposure can cause fluid accumulation in the belly. In addition to causing bloating or pain, this frequently makes the patient less hungry - which can also result in weight loss.
Breathlessness And Coughing: Breathlessness and coughing (sometimes extreme coughing) are usually caused by lung scarring or fibrosis.
Finger Deformity: The material causes fluid accumulation, which leads to clubbing - another name for finger deformity.
High Blood Pressure: The heart works harder to pump blood oxygen since the lungs are unable to do it on their own.
Neck And Facial Swelling: Swelling in the neck and face occurs when the fluid surrounding the heart and lungs increases due to high blood pressure. It also makes swallowing harder.
Pleural Effusion: Inflammation caused by asbestos-related illnesses can result in a fluid accumulation in the pleura - a thin membrane that lines the chest and lung cavity.
Pleural Thickening: Irritation from asbestos, illnesses, or other factors may cause the lining of the lung to thicken.

When the fibers in the lungs are inflamed and scarred, the lungs lose their ability to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen. This lowers lung function and causes weariness. This can cause long-term damage to the heart and lungs because of the ongoing strain that oxygen deprivation places on these organs.

How Long Does It Take For Symptoms Of Asbestos Poisoning To Manifest?

When your lungs are exposed to asbestos fibers - it causes a type of fibrosis known as asbestosis. It leads to the development of scar tissues, which can reduce your pulmonary function.

Symptoms of asbestosis usually appear 20 to 30 years after asbestos exposure. Some individuals may have a shorter latency period for symptom development if they are exposed frequently over a ten-year period or longer.

Asbestos fibers are straight, pointed, and minuscule. These particles that are breathed during exposure may lodge in lung tissue. The human body finds it challenging to dislodge and expel the fibers due to their texture and structure. The fibers eventually inflame, irritate, and scar - resulting in symptoms that mostly impact the lungs.

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How To Prevent Asbestos Poisoning?

Here are some actions you must take to avoid poisoning due to asbestos -

There is a significant risk of exposure for persons who work in particular occupations, reside in older dwellings, or are near natural asbestos deposits.

Employees

Those who handle asbestos or items containing it should have the appropriate asbestos-handling training.
Put on the appropriate personal protection gear.

Older Residences

Residents of older homes should refrain from disturbing any items that may contain asbestos, such as -

Siding
Flooring
Insulation for furnaces and pipes
Attic insulation made of vermiculite
Installation of popcorn ceilings in the 1950s through the 1970s

Speak with the state or local environmental agency if items need to be replaced or are degrading. Another option is to speak with a licensed asbestos contractor. Employ contractors who are aware of the regulations for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos. These laws should be rigorously adhered to by them as well.

Areas Where Asbestos Deposits Are Found Naturally

Individuals who reside in regions with naturally occurring asbestos deposits or close to areas tainted by outdated asbestos-containing items may be at risk.

Reduce the amount of asbestos in your house -

Make use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums and wet cleaning techniques.
Before entering, take off your shoes or wipe them on the doormats.
On windy days, keep windows closed.

Avoid inhaling dust when you're outside -

Instead of sweeping, use water to mist patios.
Before playing or gardening, wet the earth with water.
Remain on pavement or grass- or mulch-covered terrain.

Proper Disposal Of Asbestos

It is important to dispose of asbestos to protect human health and the environment. Asbestos is a hazardous material that must be handled with care. This prevents the release of its fibers. All these cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Here are some disposal methods for asbestos -

Hire Professionals: Call a certified professional for asbestos abatement for proper removal. They know how to handle asbestos safely and comply with regulations.
Contain the Material: Before removing the asbestos, seal asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in leak-proof and labeled bags approved for hazardous waste.
Use Proper Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE such as respirators, gloves, and coveralls are used to prevent exposure.
Transport Safely: It is advisable to transport asbestos waste in covered vehicles to prevent contamination.
Dispose Of At Approved Sites: It is advisable to dispose of asbestos substances - only at authorized sites. Unauthorized dumping is illegal and poses environmental risks.
Follow Local Laws: Always adhere to federal and state regulations, especially those set by OSHA and the EPA.

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Is Asbestos Poisoning Treatable?

Unfortunately, lung damage caused due to asbestos poisoning is irreversible. However, illnesses associated with asbestos poisoning are treatable and manageable. Symptom management and disease slowing are usually aided by treatment.

It is advisable to see a doctor if you start seeing any of the symptoms. They will start by asking about the medical history and conduct a physical examination to determine whether a patient has asbestos poisoning.

They may also prescribe screening pulmonary function tests and chest radiography (X-rays) to diagnose asbestos-related illnesses. Other tests might also include -

Blood examinations
CT scan, or computed tomography
Screening for colon cancer using bronchoalveolar lavage
High-resolution computed (axial) tomography lung biopsy

Once the test results are out, the doctor can chart out an effective treatment plan for asbestos poisoning with a specific diagnosis. The treatment plan include surgery - in case of severe poisoning.

Doctors might also ask you to avoid cigarette smoke. Also, they might advise you to -

Be sure to stay hydrated.
Have a well-rounded diet.
Engage in regular exercise.
When pollen or air pollution levels are high, stay inside.
To lower your risk of infection, wash your hands frequently.
Regularly get enough sleep, and when necessary, obtain more.
Vaccinate yourself against pneumonia and the flu if your doctor advises it.

Also, they might also suggest to stay away from smog, aerosol sprays, traffic smoke, paint vapors, etc.

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Takeaway

Although asbestos is widely used in construction and building materials, it is also a hazardous substance. However, with the increase in the knowledge of the dangers of asbestos - its use has significantly decreased. Still, there are thousands of people suffering from asbestos poisoning.

Prolonged exposure can cause debilitating conditions like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. The damage asbestos causes to the lung tissues cannot be repaired - which impairs breathing and lung function. However, symptoms can be controlled with medical and home treatment.

To reduce the impact count - awareness and proactive asbestos removal remain critical in the US.

Breathe Easy With JM Environmental. Trust Us For Safe Asbestos Removal In Stockton

At JM Environmental, we protect your home and environment from the dangers of asbestos. These materials are commonly found in older buildings and can pose serious health risks, which include respiratory diseases and long-term complications.

Our certified team uses advanced techniques to safely remove asbestos, which ensures a clean and contaminant-free environment. We help you remove deadly risks - which affect you and the environment. Also, with us, you’re investing in the health and well-being of your family and community.

Take the first step toward better health and peace of mind today. Contact JM Environmental - the best asbestos removal company in Stockton for a free consultation and make your environment safer for everyone.