Asbestosis Risks and Causes
Asbestos is the main factor and cause of asbestosis. The fibres of which asbestos is composed are easily inhaled and cannot be broken down by the body.
Microphages, tiny cells in the body which usually break down large particles before they reach your lungs, try to break the asbestos fibres down. However, asbestos fibre are too strong for the macrophages and as a result they release substances which should destroy the fibres but instaed damage the alveoli, small air sacs in the lungs.
Alveoli help to transfer the oxygen from your lungs into your blood and when you exhale the alveoli transfer carbon dioxide out of your blood, through through your lungs, and out of your mouth.
Prolonged exposure to asbestos causes irreversible damage to the alveoli and causes scarring known as fibrosis. The damage prevents the ability of the alveoli to inhale oxygen and exhale cardon dioxide and results in breathing difficulties and breathlessness.
Risk Factors for Asbestosis
Asbestos was used frequently after the World War 2 and reached a peak in the 1970's. It then declined during the 1980's and 1990's once the risks were realized. Since many industries used asbestos certain sectors were more affected and those occupations where people were most at risk included boilermakers, plasterers, chemical technicians, insulation workers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, shipbuilders, sheet metal workers and heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics.
Industries that commonly used asbestos at this time included construction, shipbuilding and repair, chemical manufacturing, non-metallic mineral stone production, railways, yarn, thread, and fabric mills, rubber and plastic production, and trucking services.
If you (or someone you know) worked in any of these occupations or within these industries during the periods mentioned and early asbestosis symptoms are apparent, you should ensure your doctor is aware of your past history and possible exposure to asbestos so the appropriate testing, treatment and diagnosis can take place.
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