Asbestos Syndrome

Asbestos syndrome can describe any of a variety of asbestos-related sicknesses, from lung irritation and bleeding to some forms of cancer. Asbestos was widely used to insulate homes and office buildings in North America and the rest of the world from the late 1800s to the early 1980s before it was discovered to be a health hazard. Health problems associated with asbestos usually result from airborne fibers being inhaled, which causes lung and throat damage.

How Does Asbestos Make People Sick?

• Asbestos that is not damaged and is safely contained within walls or ceilings is not considered a major health hazard. However, when asbestos becomes frayed or damaged it can release tiny fibers into the air which, if inhaled by humans, can cause scarring, bleeding and loss of lung function leading to the development of cancers.

Who Is At Risk?

• Most people are exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives--low levels are present in the air, soil and water--but most do not fall ill as a result. People who are at high risk of asbestos-related disease and cancer are those who work, or have worked with the material on a regular basis without taking appropriate precautions. Health hazards to those who work in shipbuilding, firefighting, demolition and drywall removal have also been established and cited by the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

What Are The Symptoms?

• The U.S. National Cancer Institute cites several symptoms to look out for if you suspect you or someone you know has been exposed to unsafe asbestos. They include shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness, a persistent worsening cough, blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs, pain or tightening in the chest, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck or face, loss of appetite, fatigue or anemia.

How Are Asbestos Related Sicknesses Treated?

• The most serious result of asbestos exposure is a rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs including the lungs. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute in 70 to 80 percent of new mesothelioma cancer cases, exposure to asbestos at work is cited. Symptoms may not appear for over 50 years after exposure to asbestos and many of the symptoms cited above are connected to mesothelioma. Treatment depends on the location and stage of the cancer and includes removal of the affected part of the mesothelium, radiation therapy and in some cases chemotherapy.

How Can People Protect Themselves from Dangerous Asbestos Exposure?

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is part of the U.S. Department of Labor and sets legal requirements for employers to protect employees who work with asbestos. Some of the mandatory protections established by OSHA include limiting exposure over an eight-hour period, monitoring the level of exposure, providing the correct type of respirator, providing protective clothing, labelling dangerous material and keeping accurate records of measures taken to limit exposure to asbestos.

  People who suspect they are being exposed to dangerous asbestos in the home should contact a professional asbestos inspector. The U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) recommends making sure any inspection includes a complete visual examination and lab analysis of asbestos samples. If asbestos is present, the EPA expects the inspector to provide a written evaluation of the location and extent of damage to the material, outlining recommendations for removal or prevention of exposure.