Asbestosis is scarring in the lungs caused by breathing asbestos fibers. Oxygen and carbon dioxide do not pass in and out of scarred lungs easily, so breathing becomes harder. Asbestosis usually occurs in people who have had very high exposures over a long time, but years may pass before any symptoms appear.
What type of lung disease is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers in the air. Though asbestosis is believed to be mostly an occupational disease, there are reports of secondhand exposure to asbestos containing dust.
Is there a cure for asbestos in the lungs?
There is no cure for asbestosis, but treatment can alleviate symptoms. Because this disease is similar to other types of pulmonary fibrosis, diagnosing asbestosis requires thorough medical and occupational histories in addition to medical testing.
Can you be tested for asbestos exposure?
To diagnose diseases associated with asbestos, doctors may use a variety of lung tests. Imaging tests, including chest X-rays or computerized tomography (CT) scans, can help your doctor spot changes in your lungs. Your doctor may also ask you to blow big breaths into a machine to see how well your lungs are working.
How much compensation can you get for asbestos exposure?
The average settlement ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million. If a mesothelioma claim goes to trial, a settlement could be reached or a jury could determine the amount of compensation, if the defendant is found guilty for the asbestos exposure.
Can you make a claim for asbestosis?
In order to claim compensation, an individual needs to be able to say how and when they were exposed to asbestos – some of these diseases require thousands of hours of previous exposure to asbestos in a working environment to prove that they have not been caused by something else.
