Asbestosis Health Article

Prevention

Workers in asbestosis-related industries should have regular x rays to determine whether their lungs are healthy. A person whose lung x ray shows a shadow should eliminate asbestos exposure even if no symptoms of the condition have appeared.

Anyone who works with asbestos should wear a protective mask or a hood with a clean-air supply and obey recommended procedures to control asbestos dust. Anyone who is at risk of developing asbestosis should:

• not smoke
• be vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia
• exercise regularly to maintain cardiopulmonary fitness
• avoid crowds and people who have respiratory infections

A person who has asbestosis should exercise regularly, relax, and conserve energy whenever necessary.

BOOKS

Bennett, J. Claude, and Fred Plum, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co., 1996.

Burton, George G., John E. Hodgkin, and Jeffrey J. Ward, eds. Respiratory Care: A Guide to Clinical Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1997.

Farzan, Sattar. A Concise Handbook of Respiratory Diseases. 4th ed. Stamford: Appleton & Lange, 1997.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Lung Association. 1740 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. (800) 586-4872. <http://www.lungusa.org>.

OTHER

"Asbestosis." ThriveOnline. 1 May 1998. <http://thriveonline.oxygen.com>.

"1996 World Report: Asbestosis Mortality." Centers for Disease Control. 1 May 1998. <http://www.cdc.gov/hiosh/w7asbt9.html>.

Maureen Haggerty

KEY TERMS

Asbestos—A silicate (containing silica) mineral that occurs in a variety of forms; it is characterized by a fibrous structure and resistance to fire.