Risk of Asbestos Exposure in Mines
What are the risks of asbestos exposure in mines? Adverse side effects from exposure to asbestos are still a concern to miners and the mining community at large. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers may result in serious health hazards that can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. When asbestos particles are disturbed and are released into the air, anyone breathing the air may breathe in these fibers.
Mine Worker’s Exposure and Asbestos Occurrence
Mine workers who are exposed to asbestos over a long period of time and at high levels are at a greater risk of developing asbestos lung cancer. The greater the amount of time a person has been exposed to asbestos, the higher the amount of fibers that remain in the lung. These fibers become lodged in the lung tissue which makes it very difficult for the body to expel them. This causes irritation and inflammation and over time can result in serious respiratory problems and lung diseases including: mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Airborne Asbestos Exposure Risks and Health Dangers
During the mining process, asbestos particles are releases into the air and pose serious health hazards that can lead to respiratory problems, asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Miners are at a great risk from asbestos related diseases. Environmental exposure due to naturally occurring asbestos that has been released into the air as a result of mining can also pose serious health risks to the public.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure
People whose occupation puts them at a greater risk for asbestos exposure include:
- Construction and demolition workers
- Mechanics
- Pipe installers
- Manufacturers of asbestos products
- Shipbuilders
- Roofers
- Brick and tile layers
- Bulldozer, hoist and crane operators
- Brake mechanics
Risk of Asbestos Exposure
The length of asbestos exposure and the level of exposure increase the risk of developing many serious diseases. The risk also increases by smoking cigarettes. In general, when exposure to asbestos happens for a long time and at higher levels, the chance of developing asbestos-related diseases increases.
The symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses may take several years to appear, usually 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure. If you’ve worked in the mining industry and are concerned about possible exposure, consult a cancer specialist or your physician immediately. Seek help before the cancer progresses into the last stages. When the cancer is detected early there are several treatment options available, however once the cancer has reached a certain point, treatment options are limited and are only to help ease any discomfort or pain associated with the disease.
