Asbestosis causes
Asbestosis is caused by breathing in asbestos fibres. It is a cumulative disease, which means that every period of exposure to asbestos increases the likelihood of a person going on to develop asbestosis.
There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. Although it is thought the higher the levels of asbestos and the longer the time someone is exposed to it, the greater the risk of developing asbestos related illnesses.
Asbestos fibres
If asbestos becomes damaged the fine fibres become airborne and can easily be inhaled. The tiny asbestos fibres penetrate the lung and irritate the tissues causing thickening of the lining and scarring. It is this process that leads to the characteristic honeycombing effect. This process gradually makes it more difficult for oxygen to be absorbed from the atmosphere to the blood and for waste carbon dioxide to be breathed out.
Smokers
If you are a heavy smoker and have been exposed to asbestos you have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. It can often develop in a short period of 6 months to 2 years time.
What are the symptoms of asbestosis?...
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