Key Facts

Every week in the United Kingdom, it is estimated that 20 tradesmen die from asbestos related diseases, plumbers, joiners, carpenters, electricians, shop fitters, plasterers, decorators, heating and ventilation engineers. You are all at risk of these diseases.

Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer, which affects the mesothelium which surrounds the lungs (pleural membrane) or digestive tract (peritoneum) and other locations. It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and by the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal.

Asbestos-related lung cancer
Asbestos-related lung cancer, bronchial carcinoma can be caused by heavy exposure to asbestos. There is a strong evidence to show that those who smoke and have been exposed to asbestos being at a much greater risk than non-smokers, greatly increasing the possibility of contracting this disease.

Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious scarring condition of the lung that normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over many years. This condition can cause progressive shortness of breath, and in severe cases can be fatal.

 

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The Diseases

Asbestos Related Pleural Diseases

The pleura is a two-layered membrane which surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the rib cage. Some asbestos fibres inhaled into lungs work their way out to the pleura and may cause fibrosis or scarring to develop there. This causes the pleura to thicken and this may show up on a chest X-ray or CT scan. Generally, those who suffer from pleural diseases do not go on to develop the more critical diseases such as Mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer.

Pleural diseases occur in two forms:

Pleural Thickening

Pleural thickening is scarring of lung tissue caused by asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed, which can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.

Pleural Plaques

Pleural plaques are a form of scarring of the outer lining of the lung. Although pleural plaques do not normally cause any symptoms, they are an indication of previous exposure to asbestos. Workers with pleural plaques in most circumstances have a normal lung function.

It is estimated by the Health and Safety Executive, that over 4000 workers die each year from asbestos-related diseases!

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Asbestos respiratory diseases are contracted by?

A: Touching asbestos without gloves B: Swallowing asbestos C: The Inhalation of fibres D: Entry through the eyes

Which of the following diseases is NOT related to exposure to asbestos?

A: Asbestosis B: Lung Cancer C: Mesothelioma D: Dermatitis