Asbestos Exposure Did you know that some of the common respiratory diseases are caused by Inhalation of harmful elements? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known to cause both short and long term health complications. Short-term asbestos exposure usually occurs among persons who do not handle asbestos materials on daily basis. Some of common household chores that can lead to exposure include replacement of old insulation, repairing roofing materials that contain a given percentage of asbestos and the list continues.[caption id=""]
Asbestos fibres - a single fibre is believed to cause mesothelioma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)[/caption]Research studies carried out by scientists from all across the globe shows that short term exposures are usually less dangerous as compared to long term exposure. However, one should seek immediate health care if exposed to a large amount of asbestos over a short period of time. This is based on the fact that increase in concentration of the minerals in the body increase ones preference to various diseases such as lung cancer and fibrosis. It is also important to note that some of the symptoms take up to 30 years to show up and the diseases can be treated if diagnosed early.Complications that arise from long term exposure to asbestos materials usually affect people who work in manufacturing companies that use this mineral as a raw material. Despite the fact that most of them wear protective clothing, some of its particles are very small and are suspended in the atmosphere. Such people are exposed to small amount of asbestos over a long period of time.Examples of some of the common problems that could arise from short term asbestos exposure include:1# Mesothelioma 2# Asbestosis 3# Lung Cancer The common symptoms that are used to diagnose these diseases are:1# Pulmonary hypertension 2# Dry cough 3# Chest pain 4# Shortness of breath 5# Pulmonary hypertensionFinally, one of the surest ways of protecting yourself from short term asbestos exposure is by wearing protective clothing when working in areas or with materials that are likely to contain these hazardous mineral.
