Asbestos was a material used in many different industries decades ago. Even though it is no longer used in construction, it can still be found in older buildings and homes. Asbestos was also used in the shipbuilding industry among others. If you worked in an industry with asbestos, here are the warning signs that you might have asbestosis.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, it typically takes anywhere from 10 to 40 years for the effects to show. Because of this, many people who suffer from asbestosis or lung cancer will have trouble treating these diseases since they are in such advanced stages.
Some of the symptoms of asbestosis include the following:
- Chest pain
- Tightness of the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Clubbing (fingers and toes are wider than normal)
- Dry cough
- Persistent cough
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
As mentioned earlier, asbestos was largely used in shipbuilding and construction, but it was also commonly used in the following industries:
- Railroads
- Electrical work
- Automotive mechanical work
- Airplane work
- Mining
- Operations of boilers
Construction workers continue to be exposed to asbestos, especially if their project involves removing asbestos from older buildings or homes when renovating them.
For the most part, it is safe to be near asbestos, so long as the asbestos fibers are contained and not in the air. It’s once they get into the air that they become dangerous and can get into your lungs.
Do you suffer from any of the warning signs mentioned in this post? If so, visit our site to learn more about asbestosis in Kingsport and how you can protect yourself.