Who needs to
be examined?
Individuals
who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed)
to asbestos fibers on the job or at home via a family
contact should inform their physician of their exposure
history and any symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured
in urine,
feces, mucus,
or material rinsed out of the lungs. A thorough physical
examination, including a chest
x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended.
It is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect
asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify
any lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure. Interpretation
of the chest x-ray may require the help of a specialist
who is experienced in reading x-rays for asbestos-related
diseases. Other tests also may be necessary.
The most common types of friable asbestos
that inspectors are concerned with are sheet insulation
used as a fire barrier around heating plants in older
buildings, pipe insulation on older hydronic boilers,
and insulation on older ductwork.
Sprayed-on ceiling asbestos - This
was common in the 1960s and earlier. This material can
be very hazardous. The popcorn ceilings on the west
coast, mostly in California, are typically made from
an asbestos-containing material. The popcorn ceilings
in the Midwest and on the East coast typically do not
contain asbestos.
Removal
of asbestos - Asbestos should be removed and disposed
of by a qualified contractor. Most states maintain lists
of qualified contractors. Contact the EPA or the state
department of environmental protection for an updated
list of qualified testing and or mitigation contractors.
It is not recommended that homeowners remove the asbestos
themselves due to the associated health risk. Subsequent
to any remediation, an air test should be performed
to ensure that no fibers remain.
As
noted earlier, the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases
may not become apparent for many decades after exposure.
If any of the following symptoms develop, a physical
examination should be scheduled without delay:
- Shortness
of breath;
- A
cough or a change in cough pattern;
- Blood
in the sputum
(fluid)
coughed up from the lungs;
- Pain
in the chest or abdomen;
- Difficulty
in swallowing or prolonged hoarseness; and/or
- Significant
weight loss.
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Sources of National Cancer Institute Information
Mesothilioma, Mesotheliema,Mesothiliema,Mesotheleoma
Mesosthelioma, Masesthilioma information:
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