Question

Asbestos exposure has been associated with:

	A.	vinyl chloride
	B.	asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma, and lung cancer
	C.	metallic compounds
	D.	pesticides from the organochloride family

Answer 1

Answer is option (B). Asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Long exposure to asbestos lead to to serious health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma etc.

Microscopic fibers of asbestos are get into the body through respiratory tract or digestive tract. They become trapped in the body. Some fibers stuck permanently in the body. Repeated and long term exposure results accumulation of fibers in the tissues and causes inflammation and DNA damage. This damage causes changes in cells and lead to cancer and other diseases.

Factors that increase risk of asbestos related disease include :-

* duration of exposure.

* intensity of exposure.

* type of industry the person working.

* personal factors such as smoking or any other lung diseases.

* genetic mutations.

Symptoms of asbestos related disease.

* shortness of breath.

* pain in the chest or abdomen.

* neck or face swelling.

* cough or change in cough patterns.

* blood in the sputum.

* hoarseness.

* difficulty in swallowing.

* weight loss.

* loss of appetite

* fatigue.

Mesothelioma.

Rare cancer developes in the lining of lungs or abdomen. This is incurable.

Heavy exposure may result in swallowing. When fibers are cleared from airways along with mucous it may swallow.

Symptoms include dry cough, chest and shoulder pain. As the condition progress tumor size increases, weight loss, weakness, fever etc are seen.

Lung cancer.

Asbestos related lung cancer is about 4% of total lung cancer. Smoking and asbestos inhalation will increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Risk of getting lung cancer depends on :-

* the level of exposure

* duration of exposure

* age of the person.

* any tobacco usage or smoking.

* type and size of asbestos fibers trapped in the body. Lung cancer doesn't show symptoms in early stages.

Symptoms.

* chronic cough.

* weight loss.

* shortness of breath.

* fever.

* chest pain etc.

Asbestosis.

It is a condition in which inflammation and scaring of lung tissue occurs and this prevent the lungs from expansion and relaxation.

Symptoms.

*shortness of breath.

* persistent dry cough.

* loss of appetite.

* weight loss.

* chest tightness or pain.

* finger tips and toes appear wider and rounder.

Complication.

* lung cancer.

* mesothelioma.

Diagnosis.

* x-ray shows small irregular opacities.

Prevention of asbestosis is reduse exposure to asbestos.