Asbestosis Definition
Asbestosis is the scar tissue found in the lungs due to inhaling asbestos fibers. Unlike the disease mesothelioma which caused only a little exposure to asbestos fibers, Asbestosis develop in people with prolonged exposure or asbestos caused by prolonged exposure. This disease damage the lungs, a lung condition that resulted in chronic shortness of breath and also make other organs prone to various diseases.
Smoking does not directly cause Asbestosis, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos is approximately 90% more likely to contract the disease than non-smokers with similar exposure. Conditions can not be cured, but treatment is available to help manage the symptoms of Asbestosis.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a general term used for a group consisting of mineral crystal fiber. Asbestos is very strong and fireproof, and is widely used around the world the 20th century in the field of construction, building and manufacturing industries to create a wide range of products from brake pads to ceiling tiles.
Health risks of asbestos
Asbestos does not cause health risks if not damaged or destroyed. However, if it happens, it could release asbestos dust that consists of small asbestos fibers. If a person breathe in a certain amount of fiber can damage the lungs and trigger Asbestosis.
Asbestosis Symptoms usually begin many years after initial exposure. Most cases of Asbestosis started 15-20 years after exposure to asbestos dust, although sometimes Asbestosis Symptoms can also just 40 years after symptoms appear to be real.
Asbestos hazards to health (Asbestosis) began to realize about the year 1898, but only around in the 1970s which introduced stricter rules to regulate and restrict the use of asbestos exposure of the employee.
The use of asbestos was banned in England in 1999 and is now also prohibited in all EU countries. However, asbestos is still widely used in developing countries.