What Is Asbestosis Lung Disease?

Asbestosis And The Lungs

Causes of asbestosis lung disease Asbestosis is a condition that affects the lungs. It is a chronic inflammatory lung disease caused by breathing asbestos for a period of years. It progresses gradually as asbestos fibers cause damage to the lungs through scarring. Lung damage caused by asbestos can be irreversible.

History of asbestosis In the first half of the 20th Century, asbestos was used in numerous building materials because it resists heat and corrosion. It was especially favored for insulation in schools and businesses because it is fire retardant.

In the mid 1970's, the health dangers of long term exposure became more apparent as more and more workers were diagnosed with asbestosis lung disease. Laws were passed regulating asbestos use. Today asbestos is strictly regulated and its use is controlled.

It's important for anyone working around asbestos to follow safety procedures to protect their lungs.

Asbestosis signs and symptoms vary. They can be mild or quite severe. Usually, they don't begin to appear until years after the asbestosis patient has been exposed.

The human respiratory system has an efficient filtering capability that traps and expels foreign particles before they ever reach the lungs. Asbestos particles are different from most other foreign objects.

Particles and microorganisms that manage to get through the filters and into the lungs are usually destroyed by the body's immune system. In fact, the alveoli (tiny sacs that are the smallest airways of the lungs) have their own specialized immune cells called macrophages. Macrophages are on an endless "search and destroy mission," detecting such particles and toxins like dust, smoke and chemical pollutants.

As efficient as these macrophages are, they don't work with asbestos fibers. Often the fiber is too long to be ingested. Asbestos are also partially resistant to breakdown.

Unfortunately, in an effort to destroy the asbestos fibers, the alveoli produce a substance that harms the alveoli instead. The alveoli eventually become inflamed and scarring takes place.

This process is called fibrosis, and it is the basis of asbestosis lung disease. As your lungs are exposed to more and more asbestos, more and more of the lungs become damaged. The ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide diminishes. As time goes by the lungs become stiff, like a dried sponge. Breathing becomes more difficult.

Remarkably, some people are prone to asbestosis while others are not. Two people exposed to the same amount of asbestos may not have the same reaction. It appears genetics plays a role in whether you get asbestosis or not.

Naturally, people who are exposed to asbestos for long periods - meaning years - have the biggest risk of getting asbestosis lung disease. Historically, those who work in mining, milling, manufacturing, and installation or removal of asbestos products have the highest probability of contracting asbestosis.

Asbestos occurs naturally in the environment, and even direct but limited exposure is not likely to cause harm to your lungs.

If you work or go to school in abuilding where existing asbestos has been safely contained and sealed, you needn't worry about getting asbestosis.

If you're near a construction project, however, where asbestos is being removed, it's probably best to take some precautions. Talk to your doctor, or to a professional safety expert.

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