The exposure to inhalable asbestos can lead to terrible and often terminal illness. But, if you suspect that your child’s lung problems might be due to the exposure to asbestos, rest assured that the substance related disease will take a number of decades to develop. Your loved one’s symptoms are more likely to happen due to another cause.
In the majority of cases, the symptoms of asbestos related disease do not primarily develop for as many as 20 to 35 years following the initial exposure. Asbestos related ailment such as malignant mesothelioma are so rare among children.
The Asbestos Exposure Symptoms which Children May Have
The symptoms of asbestos related disease may include productive and persistent cough, tightness in the chest, loss of appetite, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, the dry crackling sound when inhalation, anemia, abdominal pain and swelling, blood clotting abnormalities, and fever. Even though these are known to be the most common symptoms that are associated with asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, they can also be caused by any number of other medical conditions. If your child appears to experience these symptoms, you need to see a specialist immediately, or you can meet a physician who can refer you to an asbestos specialist. If you have reason to believe that your child may have inhaled asbestos fibers, you can share these concerns with your loved one’s doctor.
Children and Asbestos Home Exposure
In homes that are constructed before the 80s, it is not uncommon for asbestos containing products to be found all over the structure. Pipe insulation in certain contained a form of asbestos fiber which is known to become readily friable when it is disturbed. Ceiling, floor tiles, drywall, popcorn ceiling, and industrial adhesives that are used in construction all usually contained asbestos.
If you live in older house, you need to consider having it inspected by asbestos professional your local health department will assist you in finding a specialist that can safely obtain samples from any suspect materials in the house. Do not try to remove asbestos products or take the samples by yourself. Most asbestos containing products are actually safe as long as they remain undisturbed and remain intact. In trying to remove or sample the suspected materials, you may get the exposure to asbestos or some other toxic, inhalable fibers.
Children and Asbestos: The Secondary Exposure from Loved One
Children and other family members, tragically, can be exposed to asbestos in the workplace. They may have contracted asbestos related disease from fibers that are carried home on the clothing of their loved ones. In case you or a member of your family works in a factory where asbestos exposure is evident, you need to take every precaution so as to ensure not only that you are not exposed, but that you do not place your children in harm’s way. This is due to the fact that asbestos related illnesses may take many years to develop, kids of those that are exposed to asbestos in workplace would not develop the symptoms until adulthood.
