Asbestosis in Canada: What You Need to Know

Asbestosis, a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, is a health issue that has impacted countless people who experienced exposure to asbestos over periods of time. Whether in the construction field, or through exposure to asbestos fibres in the office, in institutional buildings, or in their home.

Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can cause lung tissue scarring and shortness of breath, signs of poor lung health.

Asbestos is a natural mineral product that’s resistant to heat and corrosion. It was used extensively in the past in products such as insulation, cement, and some floor tiles.

The symptoms of Asbestosis can range from mild to severe, and often don’t appear until many years after continued exposure to asbestos.

Treatment for Asbestosis focuses on relieving the symptoms of lung disease.

Asbestosis Symptoms

The symptoms of Asbestosis are as follows (from the Mayo Clinic website)

• Shortness of breath
• A persistent, dry cough
• Loss of appetite with weight loss
• Fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than normal (clubbing)
• Chest tightness or pain

When to See a Doctor

• If you have a history of exposure to asbestos, whether in the workplace or in a building where you had prolonged asbestos exposure.
• If you are experiencing shortness of breath, you should always seek a doctor to monitor the situation.

Jobs That Present Asbestosis Risk

• Asbestos miners
• Aircraft and auto mechanics
• Boiler operators
• Building construction workers
• Electricians
• Railroad workers
• Shipyard workers
• Workers removing asbestos insulation around steam pipes in older buildings

How to Prevent Asbestosis

The simple answer to avoiding Asbestosis and other complications from asbestos exposure is by ensuring the removal of asbestos exposure risks in the workplace and in your home.

Homes and other buildings built before the 1990s present a potential asbestos risk as many building materials at one point contained asbestos. Before doing home renovations, construction or renovation projects, it is important to conduct a professional Asbestos Testing to ensure there is no asbestos work in the area.

If asbestos materials are found, it is a must to follow the correct asbestos removal regulations to safely remove asbestos from the area.

got mold?™ Asbestos Testing Services

If you suspect asbestos in your residential, commercial, industrial or institutional building contact the got mold?™ team at 1.888.909.MOLD [6653] or use our contact form to Talk to the Pros.

We offer asbestos testing services in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

We have completed more than 7000+ projects since 2009. Check out what our customers have to say about our services at Trusted Pros.

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