Asbestos Exposure

How Can You Be Exposed to Asbestos?

Most asbestos exposure happens at work. The material was widely used in many products and industries. People can be exposed when tiny fibers from products like car parts, building materials and industrial items get into the air.

Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. The more asbestos you are exposed to, the higher your risk.

Key Facts About Asbestos Exposure

1. On-the-job exposure is the most common.
2. Construction, military, industrial and first responder workers are at high risk.
3. The construction industry has the highest exposure rate in the U.S.
4. Asbestos can become airborne if disturbed because it’s so light.
5. Asbestos fibers may take up to 48 to 72 hours to settle in an undisturbed environment.

Asbestos manufacturers phased out asbestos as the dangers became more well-known. However, it still exists in many older homes, buildings and machinery. This legacy asbestos puts workers and their families at risk of asbestos-related conditions.

Cancers Related to Asbestos Exposure

The most common cancers related to asbestos exposure are mesothelioma and lung cancer. Symptoms typically appear 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Asbestos-Related Cancers

• Laryngeal Cancer: A combination of asbestos exposure, smoking and heavy drinking significantly increases the risk of developing this type of cancer.
• Lung Cancer: This type of cancer develops in lung tissue. When those with a history of asbestos exposure also smoke, the risk of developing it greatly increases.
• Mesothelioma: This cancer may develop in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart or testes, and the primary cause is asbestos exposure.
• Ovarian Cancer: Asbestos-contaminated talc raises the risk of cancer. It is the fifth most common cancer in women.

Researchers believe these conditions are caused when inhaled asbestos fibers reach the different organs and cause scarring, which leads to DNA damage and, eventually, cancer.

Organs Affected by Asbestos Exposure

The organs most impacted by asbestos exposure are the lungs because they are where asbestos fibers tend to stick the most. But asbestos also travels to other organs, causing some of the common asbestos-related conditions.

The Impact of Asbestos on Organs

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Lung Diseases Related to Asbestos Exposure

Many lung diseases from asbestos are not cancerous, but they can still harm your health and daily life. Those diagnosed have had enough asbestos exposure to be at risk for cancer later on in life.

Asbestos-Related Lung Conditions

• Asbestosis
• Atelectasis
• Diffuse Pleural Thickening
• Pleural Effusion
• Pleural Plaques
• Pleurisy

“After asbestos exposure, it’s vital to take charge of your health,” says Danielle DiPietro from The Mesothelioma Center. “If a doctor finds an asbestos-related lung issue, they can monitor you closely. This early catch of mesothelioma cancer is crucial. It improves life quality and extends lifespan.”

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice signs of asbestos exposure. Difficulty breathing, cough and chest pain are common symptoms of these conditions.

Where Asbestos Exposure Occurs

People mainly come into contact with asbestos at work. This includes using products with asbestos directly or indirectly. Workers can carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair or skin. This puts their families at risk of secondary exposure.

Workers in jobs with asbestos, especially in construction, are at high risk. This includes those in steel and textile mills, shipyards, power and chemical plants, factories and auto repair shops.

People using cosmetics with asbestos-contaminated talc are also at risk. So are those living near natural asbestos deposits or contaminated sites. Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can also raise this risk by disturbing asbestos.

Occupational Exposure 

Before the asbestos bans and regulations, many industries used asbestos in their products and facilities, putting millions of workers at risk. U.S. workers in mining, heavy industry and all construction trades were often exposed to asbestos fibers while on the job.

High-Risk Jobsites

• Automotive Repair Shops
• Chemical Plants
• Chlor-Alkali Plants
• Construction Sites
• Metal Works
• Oil Refineries
• Power Plants
• Schools
• Shipyards

Electricians, firefighters, auto mechanics and many other occupations are still at risk today. Regulations require companies to reduce these risks to keep workers safe.

Products

Military structures, offices, schools and public buildings built before the 1980s may still contain asbestos insulation, drywall, ceiling and floor tiles, cement, paint and textiles. Older military housing and private homes can also contain these asbestos products.

Automotive parts, planes, trains and other machinery can contain asbestos. It was used extensively in brakes, clutches and other friction products. 

Asbestos-contaminated talc also presents an exposure risk. Baby powder, makeup and numerous children’s products have tested positive for the presence of asbestos in recent years.

Military Service Exposure

Service members on Navy vessels or military vehicles and aircraft from the 1930s to the 1970s were at high risk. Naval shipyard workers were another high-risk group. They were exposed to toxic materials while working on Navy vessels.

Buildings on military bases often used asbestos. Some still pose risks today. Service members with asbestos-related diseases can get VA help for benefits and health care.

Aaron Munz, former U.S. Army Captain and director of the Veterans Department at The Mesothelioma Center, says that “if the majority of a veteran’s lifetime exposure to asbestos occurred on active duty, the VA can approve a mesothelioma diagnosis as a service-connected disability for benefits.”

Environmental Exposure

A prime example of disaster exposure is the 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attack. The Twin Towers’ collapse released tons of asbestos into New York City’s air. Researchers now track those exposed. An early study by the Environmental Health Perspective showed 70% of emergency responders had new or worsened respiratory issues in the years after the attack.

Asbestos on jobsites boosts the risk of mesothelioma. Work that releases asbestos fibers also threatens nearby communities. Even short exposure has caused disease in those who live near natural deposits or encounter it on the job.

Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Secondary exposure, also known as indirect exposure, is as dangerous as direct exposure. It happens when asbestos workers take fibers home on their clothing, hair or skin. Family members and others in the home can breathe in these fibers. This increases their risk of disease.

Before the 1980s regulations, there were more cases of secondary exposure. New cases still arise. This is especially true for women and children exposed to asbestos decades ago, as they are now showing symptoms.

The highest risk in homes was for women who laundered contaminated clothes. Co-workers of those handling the material also faced exposure.

Protection From Asbestos Exposure

Employers need to ensure workplaces are safe from asbestos exposure. Workers can also take steps to protect themselves and their families. If an employer is negligent, workers should report them to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Workers should avoid disturbing asbestos products and should not dry sweep asbestos-containing dust. It’s essential for anyone who encounters asbestos at work to take precautions to avoid bringing the fibers home. Workers should clean contaminated shoes and clothing at the job site and take a shower before returning home. Employers in at-risk industries must provide workers with the facilities to do so.

“Asbestos-related disease is 100% preventable,” said Dr. Ken Takahashi, director of the Asbestos Disease Research Institute. “That fact motivates me. It should motivate all of us. If we stopped using asbestos, by definition, we could stop asbestos disease.”

Common Questions About Asbestos Exposure

Can I get cancer from asbestos exposure?

Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma cancer. This toxic mineral can also cause lung cancer and other diseases. There’s no safe level of asbestos exposure. It’s vital to learn about its dangers and risks to stay safe.

What should you do if you were exposed to asbestos dust?

Anyone exposed to asbestos who has symptoms of mesothelioma or related diseases should seek medical attention without delay. Mesothelioma doctors can also check for misdiagnosis.

Can I claim any compensation after asbestos exposure?

Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure who shows signs of an asbestos-related disease may be eligible to claim mesothelioma compensation from:

• Asbestos trust funds
• Mesothelioma lawsuits
• Mesothelioma settlements

If you got sick from asbestos exposure, you should talk to a specialized asbestos lawyer. They can advise you and help you get the compensation you deserve.

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