Asbestos, Silica, and other dust-related diseases.
Contracting an asbestos-related disease can occur through both occupational and non-occupational exposure. Anyone in the community is at risk if they have some form of exposure. Who Is At Risk Today ?
- Builders and Tradesmen
- Demolition and Asbestos Removal Workers
- Teachers, Students, and Parents
- “Do It Yourself” Renovating Enthusiasts
- Tourists to Wittenoom
- Traditional owners in the Pilbara
- Miners
Contracting silicosis can come from exposure to engineered stone and silica through mining and building trades. It is important to monitor your exposure as in the past safety standards have not always been met and it is possible to have quite advanced disease and yet be asymptomatic.
How/ Why?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concerns at the aging and deteriorating asbestos in our built environment. Aging fibre is adding to the risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease.
When inhaled, blue asbestos fibres are fine, rigid, and sharp and can easily penetrate the body tissue. Their indestructibility means the natural bodily defences cannot break them down. Their presence can lead to:
- Asbestosis – fibrosis scarring of the lung,
- Mesothelioma – malignancy of the pleura (lining of the lung and the abdominal cavity)
- Lung Cancer – bronchus cancer.
The effects of asbestos exposure can take up to 40 years or more to become apparent.
It is important to note that for children “The risk of (fatal) mesothelioma is very much higher when exposure occurs early in life” … USA Health & Safety Commission.
How Great is the Risk?
There is no minimum safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres. The risk increases with increased or multiple exposure. It is not possible to assess whether there is a level of exposure in humans below which an increased risk of cancer or Mesothelioma would not occur.
What can you do? | |
Follow appropriate safety guidelines for working with and removing asbestos as laid out by the relevant Government Authorities to avoid or minimise your exposure. | SafeWork Australia |
Contact the ADSA to organise regular health checks. | Book a health check |
Stop Smoking – research has demonstrated that the effects of asbestos exposure and smoking combine in a multiplicative synergistic manner in the developments of lung cancer. | Quit Smoking |
Be Alert for warning signs:
- Shortness of breath,
- persistent cough,
- rapid weight loss,
- chest or abdominal pain,
- blood in the sputum.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your doctor or call the Advisory Service on 08 9344 4077 or email us at info@asbestosdiseases.org.au and make an appointment to see our onsite Doctor specialising in the area of asbestos-related Diseases.
On-Site Medical Support
The Advisory Service is very privileged to have attracted the services of Dr. Peter Brockhoff (pictured below). He conducts regular clinics and provides ongoing support and specialist referrals for sufferers.
The purpose of screening is to:
- Pick up the symptoms of disease early
- Assess if any medical treatment is possible
- Specialist referral
- Prevent the possibility of further exposure
- Advise against smoking
- Discuss health effects
- Record the incidence of disease
To make an appointment please call 08 9344 4077 or email info@asbestosdiseases.org.au