What Diseases Can Be Caused by Exposure to Asbestos

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, gained prominence in the late 19th century for its remarkable properties. Composed of microscopic fibres, asbestos boasted unparalleled heat resistance, insulating capabilities, and strength. These qualities made it an ideal additive in a myriad of products, ranging from building materials to automotive parts.

In construction, asbestos was revered for its fire-retardant properties, making it a staple in insulation, roofing, and ceiling tiles. Its resistance to heat and corrosion also rendered it indispensable in shipbuilding, where it insulated boilers and steam pipes, ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime vessels.

Moreover, asbestos found its way into everyday consumer goods, including textiles, brake pads, and even household appliances. Its affordability and versatility made it a go-to material for manufacturers seeking to enhance product durability and performance.

Despite its widespread use and perceived benefits, the dark side of asbestos remained largely concealed for decades, overshadowed by its utility and profitability.

Asbestos exposure can happen through inhalation or ingestion of its microscopic fibres. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials, such as during renovation or demolition work, release these fibres into the air, where they can be easily inhaled. Additionally, asbestos particles can settle on surfaces, posing a risk if disturbed and subsequently ingested.

Common Sources of Exposure

The primary sources of asbestos exposure include:

Building Materials

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials like insulation, roofing, and floor tiles.

Occupational Settings

Workers in industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing are at high risk of exposure due to handling asbestos-containing materials.

Environmental Factors

Natural deposits of asbestos can contaminate air and water sources, potentially leading to exposure through inhalation or ingestion.

Asbestos exposure is directly linked to several debilitating and often fatal diseases, primarily affecting the respiratory system and surrounding tissues. The most prominent diseases associated with asbestos exposure include:

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the mesothelial lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, with a latency period ranging from 20 to 50 years between exposure and symptom onset.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis, a consequence of asbestos exposure, emerges as a chronic lung disease marked by the scarring of lung tissues, medically termed pulmonary fibrosis. Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres triggers this condition, instigating a progressive fibrosis that gradually undermines lung function. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and chest tightness, all indicative of the lung’s compromised state.

Lung Cancer

Exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly among individuals who smoke. Carcinogenic asbestos fibres can damage lung tissues, predisposing individuals to the formation of malignant tumours. The risk of lung cancer is further exacerbated by concurrent exposure to tobacco smoke and asbestos.

Pleural Diseases

Asbestos exposure can cause various pleural abnormalities, including pleural plaques, thickening, and effusions. Pleural plaques are discrete fibrous or calcified thickening of the pleura (lining of the lungs), whereas pleural thickening refers to diffuse thickening of the pleural lining. Pleural effusions involve the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, leading to respiratory symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing.

The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases vary depending on the specific condition and its progression. However, common symptoms may include:

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom of asbestos-related lung diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Persistent Cough

A chronic, persistent cough may develop, accompanied by coughing up blood or sputum.

Chest Pain: Chest pain or tightness may occur, often localised to the chest wall or beneath the rib cage.

Fatigue

Persistent fatigue or weakness may be present, hindering daily activities and productivity.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Rapid or unexplained weight loss may occur in advanced stages of asbestos-related cancers.

Clubbing of Fingers

Clubbing, characterised by abnormal enlargement of the fingertips and nails, may develop in individuals with advanced lung diseases.

Diagnosing asbestos-related diseases typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, imaging studies (such as chest X-rays or CT scans), pulmonary function tests, and biopsy procedures. Specialised medical professionals, including pulmonologists and oncologists, play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of asbestos-related conditions.

While asbestos exposure poses a significant health risk globally, certain factors may influence the prevalence and severity of asbestos-related diseases in specific regions such as Melbourne. These factors include:

Historical Asbestos Use

Melbourne, like many industrialised cities, has a legacy of extensive asbestos use in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding industries. Consequently, individuals employed in these sectors or residing in areas with asbestos-containing materials may face heightened exposure risks.

Environmental Contamination

Natural deposits of asbestos in the surrounding environment can contribute to ambient asbestos exposure, particularly in regions with mining or geological formations rich in asbestos minerals.

Occupational Exposures

Workers in occupations with high asbestos exposure, such as construction, demolition, and asbestos removal, are at increased risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. Efforts to regulate asbestos exposure in the workplace have mitigated risks to some extent, but residual exposures may still occur, especially in older buildings with asbestos-containing materials.

Melbourne, like the rest of Australia, has stringent regulations and guidelines to mitigate asbestos exposure risks:

1. National Framework

Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Management and Awareness guides the country’s approach to asbestos control.

2. Asbestos Regulations

Key regulations include:

Work Health and Safety Regulations

Mandate safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos in workplaces.

Environment Protection Regulations

Govern safe disposal to prevent environmental contamination.

Building Codes and Standards

Specify requirements for identifying and managing asbestos in construction projects.

3. Asbestos Management Plans

Property owners must develop and implement plans outlining procedures for managing asbestos risks.

4. Licensing and Accreditation

Phase One Asbestos, like other companies engaged in asbestos-related work, such as removal and disposal, must hold appropriate licences and accreditations. Licensing ensures that workers, including those at Phase One Asbestos, possess the necessary skills, training, and expertise to safely handle asbestos-containing materials and mitigate exposure risks.

5. Safe Work Practices

Includes using personal protective equipment, wet methods, encapsulation, and proper disposal techniques.

6. Public Awareness and Education

Efforts to raise awareness and promote safe handling practices through educational campaigns.

7. Compliance and Enforcement

Regulatory authorities conduct inspections and enforcement actions to ensure compliance with regulations.