The Health Repercussions

of Asbestos Exposure

Action Asbestos

PO Box 629 Como, WA 6952

(08) 9451 9001

Asbestos was once considered a prized

material, and it was used in thousands of

products. As it’s durable and fire-resistant, many

engineers and builders use them as building

materials. It was commonly applied to ceiling,

floors, pipe insulation and windows. But, its usage

has been banned a long time ago due to its

damaging properties.

When intact, asbestos makes a good

protective material, but when it’s disturbed, it

becomes dangerous. This is especially true if its

long and thin fibres get scattered in the air.

Inhaling them may not kill a person instantly, but

it can cause long-term afflictions.

Below are some of the health repercussions a

person may get when exposed to asbestos.

Lung Cancer

As asbestos is considered carcinogenic, it can

increase the risk of lung cancer. When a person

has a lung cancer, a tumour grows out of the

lungs, which causes pain due to the growth’s

internal disturbances. Doctors believe that smaller

asbestos fibres may cause more serious cancers,

as they may reach the deeper layers of the organ.

Asbestosis

Asbestos damages the lungs to the point that

it causes scarring. When the lungs are scarred,

breathing becomes difficult. The symptoms of

asbestosis are not easily diagnosed. The disease

may advance before the affected person notices

the indications. Typically, people with asbestosis

were exposed to the damaging material many

years ago.

Mesothelioma

This is a rare form of cancer that grows out

of the lining of the lungs. In some cases, growths

occur in the lining of the abdominal cavity. This

cancer causes chest pain, breathing difficulty and

fatigue. It may also affect the level of the blood

sugar and even the sac close to the heart.

Risk Factors

People increase their risk of acquiring these

diseases if they work in jobs where they possibly

inhale asbestos fibres. Those who live in old

buildings, which may have asbestos in some

areas, are also at risk of developing these

disorders.

The health repercussions of asbestos

exposure are serious, and it’s important that the

people in the construction industry follow certain

rules and regulations that concern the handling of

this material. It’s advisable that builders and those

who are looking to buy an old home seek the

services of asbestos removal experts.

SOURCES:

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/ab

out/publications/pages/rr201002asbestosexposure

andcompliancestudy

http://www.actionasbestos.com.au/info-our-

services-44.aspx

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarti

cles.nsf/pages/Asbestos_in_the_home