Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that has been used widely in building and insulation materials. Despite its usefulness, asbestos carries many health risks, including the development of pleural plaques.
The problem with asbestos is that when it is damaged, its fibres are released into the air and can be inhaled by the people who are working in the vicinity.These fibres make their way to the lungs and attach to the outer membrane known as the pleura. The body is unable to remove the fibres and the result in an inflammatory reaction which can lead to permanent lung damage.
This inflammation leads to collagen deposits forming on the pleural membrane. Over time the deposits harden through calcification. The calcification process is what makes diagnosis easier, since the deposits show up on extra in a similar manner to that of bone. They are various sizes and they form over decades, which is why they are often only detected long after the initial asbestos exposure has occurred.
The presence of pleural plaques shows that a person has been exposed to asbestos. However, not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos will develop the deposits.
Having the deposits also does not necessarily mean that the person will develop other asbestos related illnesses. There is, however an increased risk merely because of the asbestos exposure. For this reason, once the deposits have been detected, it is advisable to get regular medical screening for other asbestos diseases.
Although there is no treatment to remove the plaques, they themselves do not normally cause the person any pain or discomfort, which is a further reason why they are not often diagnosed in the earlier stages. To prevent any further and unnecessary lung damage, it is advisable to refrain from smoking. A person with these deposits should also get immediate treatment for any respiratory infections. If any symptoms do develop, such as chest pain or being short of breath, these should be seen to as soon as possible as they may indicate other asbestos related illnesses.
The problem with asbestos is that when it is damaged, its fibres are released into the air and can be inhaled by the people who are working in the vicinity.These fibres make their way to the lungs and attach to the outer membrane known as the pleura. The body is unable to remove the fibres and the result in an inflammatory reaction which can lead to permanent lung damage.
This inflammation leads to collagen deposits forming on the pleural membrane. Over time the deposits harden through calcification. The calcification process is what makes diagnosis easier, since the deposits show up on extra in a similar manner to that of bone. They are various sizes and they form over decades, which is why they are often only detected long after the initial asbestos exposure has occurred.
The presence of pleural plaques shows that a person has been exposed to asbestos. However, not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos will develop the deposits.
Having the deposits also does not necessarily mean that the person will develop other asbestos related illnesses. There is, however an increased risk merely because of the asbestos exposure. For this reason, once the deposits have been detected, it is advisable to get regular medical screening for other asbestos diseases.
Although there is no treatment to remove the plaques, they themselves do not normally cause the person any pain or discomfort, which is a further reason why they are not often diagnosed in the earlier stages. To prevent any further and unnecessary lung damage, it is advisable to refrain from smoking. A person with these deposits should also get immediate treatment for any respiratory infections. If any symptoms do develop, such as chest pain or being short of breath, these should be seen to as soon as possible as they may indicate other asbestos related illnesses.
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For asbestos compensation Liverpool contact EAD. Exposure to asbestos can be damaging to health so it is wise to always take precautions when handling it.