Learn The Most Common Diseases Linked to Asbestos Exposure

By breathing in asbestos fibres, you risk contracting an asbestos-related disease. This occurs when the fibres from disturbed asbestos become trapped in the lungs and over long periods of time, can cause inflammation, scarring and disease. Read on to learn more about the most common diseases related to asbestos exposure.



Pleural disease

Pleural plaques and pleural thickening affect the outer lining of the lungs (the pleura). Pleural plaques are small areas of scarring which have thickened on the pleura - these are usually about the size of a coin and can be present on one or both lungs, becoming harder and more calcified over time. While they don’t cause any symptoms, they are a signifier of asbestos exposure. Pleural thickening is more serious and can cause pleural restriction, leading to breathlessness.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of the lungs, and occasionally the lining of the abdomen. All cases are believed to be caused by exposure to asbestos, with approximately 2500 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the UK each year. This figure is expected to rise in the next few years, although there are emerging therapies that may have a positive impact on symptoms and survival.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a type of pulmonary scarring of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos fibres or dust. This is likely to occur through exposure at work, often taking place in construction environments and industrial settings. While it is a non-cancerous condition, damage to the fragile air sacs in the lung can make it more difficult for oxygen to get into the bloodstream which may result in breathlessness. Unfortunately, lung damage caused by asbestos exposure cannot be reversed and is actually likely to progress. Asbestosis can increase the risk of lung cancer.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is among the most fatal asbestos-related diseases. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up blood, and may develop 15 to 35 years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma are two different diseases caused by asbestos exposure. Lung cancer caused by asbestos develops inside the lung, while pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs. Both diseases take decades to develop, but can spread or metastasize within months. It’s worth noting that asbestos-exposed smokers have significantly increased risk of small cell or non-small cell lung cancer above and beyond the risk of lung cancer in smokers without asbestos exposure.

Here at Gowrie Contracts, we’re dedicated to protecting people from the dangers of asbestos. With years of experience, we’re proud to offer services in all aspects of asbestos removal. From asbestos testing to asbestos remediation, we’ve got you covered. To find out more about asbestos services, please get in touch with us today.