What Are Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases?
Asbestos-related lung diseases are diseases that
develop from exposure to asbestos (as-BES-tos) fibers. Asbestos is a mineral
that, at one time, was widely used in many industries.
Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers that can escape
into the air. When breathed in, these fibers can stay in your lungs for a long
time. If the fibers build up in your lungs, they can lead to:
- Pleural plaque. In this condition, the tissue
around the lungs and diaphragm (the muscle below your lungs) thickens and
hardens. This tissue is called the pleura. Pleural plaque usually causes no
symptoms. Rarely, as the pleura thickens, it can trap and compress part of the
lung. This may show up as a mass on an x-ray image.
- Pleural
effusion. In this condition, excess fluid builds up in the pleural space.
The pleural space is the area between the lungs and the chest wall.
- Asbestosis (as-bes-TO-sis). In this condition, the lung tissue
becomes scarred. People who have asbestosis are at greater risk for lung
cancer, especially if they smoke.
- Lung cancer. This type of cancer forms in the lung tissue,
usually in the cells lining the air passages.
- Mesothelioma (MEZ-o-thee-lee-O-ma). This disease is cancer of
the pleura.
Asbestos also can cause cancer in the lining of the
abdominal cavity. This lining is known as the peritoneum (PER-ih-to-NE-um).
Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases
Figure A shows the location of the
lungs, airways, pleura, and diaphragm. Figure B shows lungs with
asbestos-related diseases, including pleural plaque, lung cancer, asbestosis,
plaque on the diaphragm, and mesothelioma.
Overview
Until the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in many
industries in the United States. For example, it was used to insulate pipes,
boilers, and ships; make brakes; strengthen cement; and fireproof many
materials, such as drywall.
People who worked around asbestos during that time
are at risk for asbestos-related lung diseases. People at highest risk for
these diseases include:
- Unprotected workers who made, installed, or
removed products containing asbestos. People who worked near those who did
these jobs also are at risk.
- Family members of workers who were exposed to
asbestos. Family members may have breathed in asbestos fibers that workers
brought home on their clothes, shoes, or bodies.
- People who lived in areas with large deposits of
asbestos in the soil. However, this risk is limited to areas where the deposits
were disturbed and asbestos fibers escaped into the air.
Asbestos fibers also can be released into the air
when older buildings containing asbestos-made products are destroyed. Removing
these products during building renovations also can release asbestos fibers
into the air.
Generally, being around asbestos-made products
isnt a danger as long as the asbestos is enclosed. This prevents the
fibers from escaping into the air.
Now, people in the United States are less likely to
develop asbestos-related lung diseases because the mineral is no longer widely
used.
The use of asbestos is heavily restricted, and rules
and standards are now in place to protect workers and others from asbestos
exposure. Asbestos is found in only a few new products, such as gaskets used in
brakes.
However, many countries do not yet restrict asbestos
use, and people in those places are still exposed.
Outlook
The outlook for people who have asbestos-related
lung diseases can vary. Their outlook will depend on which disease they have
and how much it has damaged their lungs.
No treatments can reverse the effects of asbestos on
your lungs. However, treatments may help relieve symptoms, slow the progress of
the disease, and prevent complications.
If you've been exposed to asbestos, let your doctor
know. He or she can watch you for signs of asbestos-related problems and start
treatment early, if needed. Early treatment may help prevent or delay
complications.
Quitting smoking and making other lifestyle changes
can help prevent certain complications in people who are at high risk for
asbestos-related lung diseases. These lifestyle changes may prevent more
serious disease, including cancer.
April 2009 |