Asbestos Exposure by MOS: Asbestos exposure can lead to serious illnesses or even death, especially when it occurs over an extended period of time. Asbestos, once used in products like fireproofing and insulation, has been banned in the U.S., but if you’re working in the field of construction or renovation, it’s important to follow all safety precautions to ensure you don’t come into contact with the toxic substance. What follows are some basic facts about asbestos exposure by MOS (military occupation specialist) and how to avoid this dangerous condition.
How We Are Exposed to Asbestos
The most common way people are exposed to asbestos is through inhalation. When we breathe in, microscopic asbestos fibers can settle in the lungs and cause asbestosis or cancer. In addition, people living or working near a building that contains asbestos may have increased exposure because of daily contact with contaminated surfaces. Asbestos-containing products release fibers into the air when they break down. Workers who handle these materials may be more at risk for lung disease if they do not use proper safety measures, such as wearing masks and gloves.
How Mesothelioma Forms
Mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny and can easily be breathed in, can cause a variety of health problems including asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) and lung cancer. When these fibers get into your lungs, they irritate the delicate lining, causing inflammation. Eventually, this inflammation causes scar tissue to form on the lungs – asbestosis. But sometimes, if there’s enough scarring or damage to the lungs, it can lead to lung cancer. And because mesothelioma has an average latency period of 20-50 years after exposure, it’s important that you take precautions now so that you don’t develop mesothelioma later in life.
How to Prevent Asbestos Exposures
There are many ways to protect yourself from asbestos exposure, but the best way to prevent it is by not using it in your home or workplace. In the event that you must come in contact with asbestos, make sure to wear a respirator, protective clothing and eye protection. Asbestos can also be found in paint, cement, plaster and other products used for insulation. Never use these products without taking proper precautions to reduce the risk of inhalation or skin contact.
Signs of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. Symptoms are often vague or take years to manifest. Signs of Mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss and coughing up blood. However, in some cases people don’t show any signs for decades after being exposed to asbestos. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to have your doctor check you out regularly. These symptoms could be caused by other illnesses so it’s important not to jump the gun if you’re feeling well overall.
Ways to Treat Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that develops in the cells that line the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is most often caused by exposure to asbestos (a natural mineral) which was used for many years in industrial settings. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are a general feeling of tiredness, weight loss, and shortness of breath. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos at work or elsewhere, you should contact your doctor immediately! A diagnosis can be confirmed through imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI. Your doctor will also take a tissue sample from the tumor area and test it for certain chemicals. Patients with mesothelioma typically undergo surgery followed by chemotherapy treatment and radiation therapy. They may also receive additional treatments if they develop another type of cancer related to their initial diagnosis.
