Asbestos is a natural mineral that's used in several building materials due to its strength, insulating, and fire-retardant abilities. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it's found in these materials:
- Vermiculite-produced wall insulation
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Roofing and siding shingles
- Textured paint used on walls and ceilings
- Pipes coated with asbestos material
- Oil and coal furnaces
- Car parts
- Heat-resistant materials
What are the dangers of asbestos exposure?
Construction workers, firefighters, and industrial workers often come in contact with asbestos. According to EHS Today, workers who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing two occupational diseases:- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that involves lung scarring, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, chest pain and tightness, weight loss, and fingertip deformities. Asbestosis can lead to mesothelioma or lung cancer in some cases.
- Mesothelioma: A type of cancer that forms in the thin layer of tissue covering several internal organs. Symptoms include chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, lumps under the skin on your chest, weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling, and nausea.
What should I do if I became ill?
If you suspect that you have developed either of these conditions, it's critical that you notify your employer and seek medical attention. Your doctor will likely perform an x-ray or CT scan to determine the stage of the disease. A biopsy may also be performed to determine if any cancer cells are present in the lungs or around other organs. Both diseases require life-long treatment to help you manage the symptoms. Treatments include:- Breathing assistance devices
- Medication for pain and inflammation
- Antibiotics
- Possibly surgery