Posted on 13th November, 2019
The biohazard of asbestos arises from the inhalation of microscopic fibers. All types of asbestos fibers are associated with the development of major, irreversible asbestos-related scarring. When tinny asbestos fibers are inhaled they can remain in your lungs for a long period and they can cause persistent scarring and inflammation.
There are no signs or symptoms of asbestos exposure that a person could identify before a disease develops. Generally, it can take 30 to 40 years or more from the time of initial exposure until the first symptoms. Scar tissue can make it difficult to breathe and chest pain and shortness of breath are the most common signs of an asbestos-related illness.
Please be aware, as most of the time these are not age-related symptoms, but the onset of an asbestos-related illness. We strongly advise you to seek medical attention from a VA doctor or a civilian doctor, as it is crucial when dealing with these types of diseases to accurately get diagnosed and get proper treatment. We encourage you to get a routine X-ray or CT scan to check the pleural lining around the lungs for signs of asbestos exposure.
Get Screened for Asbestos Fibers
Undergoing a chest X-ray and a series of pulmonary function tests is the most reliable way of receiving an accurate diagnosis. Please ask the doctors and radiologists if they see any kind of scarring, nodules or spots on your lungs, sometimes they won't tell you unless you ask, even if they say these are normal, the asbestos fibers continuously scar the lungs and progressively get worse.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests contributions of B-Readers to classify chest X-Rays for certain federal surveillance projects, such as the Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program and industry-sponsored medical screening programs. It is considered that B-Reader evaluations and screenings give a better chance of detecting asbestos-related diseases earlier. Early diagnosis and proper treatments will slow the progression of the disease significantly.
We Provide Free Confirmatory Asbestos Screening in Birmingham, AL
Due to the long interval between asbestos exposure and the development of asbestos-induced diseases, the full burden of lung-related ailments caused by asbestos will become apparent decades later. To ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis, seeking a second opinion from an experienced specialist as soon as possible is often vital.
An important role in diagnosing cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more effective, is the recognition of the signs and symptoms.
Most frequent signs of asbestos exposure affecting the lungs:
- A persistent cough that lasts
- Coughing up blood
- A whistling sound while breathing
- A hoarse voice that persists
- Chest pain when breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Nail deformities and finger clubbing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired or weak
- Repeated respiratory tract infections
If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately for a correct diagnosis and a better chance for a cure. A history of asbestos exposure should be taken into consideration by the pathologist when confirming or excluding asbestos-related conditions.
If you are a veteran and you consider that your asbestos exposure may be related to military service, our staff, medical experts and toxicologists offer free confirmatory asbestos screening in Birmingham, AL.