How does Asbestos get into your water?
Asbestos products were widely used in Britain up to about the year 1970. Most Asbestos products were very easy to use and inexpensive. No one, however, foresaw that they had a relatively short lifespan. Neither did anyone foresee that, if these products broke down, Asbestos dust is created. This dust is seriously harmful if inhaled. A 2002 report for the DWI found that:
"There is potential for exposure to Asbestos fibers in drinking water by inhalation of aerosol droplets or from fibers that are trapped on clothing during washing and which are subsequently released into the atmosphere."
The Health Implications of Asbestos
Very few people will be unaware of the health risks associated with the inhalation of Asbestos fibers, which can result in long-term disability and, often, premature death.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Asbestosis
In most cases, symptoms don’t start to appear until approximately 20 years (range 10 to 40 years) after exposure to Asbestos.
Common symptoms of Asbestosis include:
- shortness of breath
- tightness in your chest
- persistent dry cough
- chest pain
- appetite loss
- finger clubbing (enlarged fingertips)
- nail deformities
Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Asbestosis
When you inhale asbestos fibers, they can become embedded in your lungs and lead to the formation of scar tissue. This scarring is known as asbestosis. The scarring can make it difficult for you to breathe because it prevents your lung tissue from expanding and contracting normally.
You may face a higher risk of developing the disease if you worked in an industry associated with asbestos before federal laws to regulate exposure were put into place. Asbestos was commonly found in construction and fireproofing jobs. Asbestos is still used in certain industries, but it’s closely monitored by the government through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
You also face a much higher chance of developing asbestosis and other related diseases if you smoke.
Testing for and Diagnosing Asbestosis
Your doctor will perform several tests to learn whether you have asbestosis and to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.
First, your doctor will usually use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal breath sounds as part of a physical exam. Your doctor may also order X-rays to look for a white or honeycomb appearance on your lungs or chest. Pulmonary (lung) function tests may be used to measure the amount of air you can inhale and the airflow to and from your lungs.
Your doctor might also test to see how much oxygen is transferred from your lungs to your bloodstream. CT scans can be used to examine your lungs in more detail. Your doctor might also order a biopsy to look for asbestos fibers in a sample of your lung tissue.
You can find some more information in our 'latest news' section about why it is not only plastic fibers in your water you should be worried about, there could be Asbestos in your water too.
