Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases: Prevention
Asbestos-related lung diseases are diseases that develop from exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a that, at one time, was widely used in many industries.
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Prevention of Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases
You can prevent asbestos-related lung diseases by limiting your exposure to asbestos fibers. If your job requires you to work around asbestos, make sure to follow workplace rules for handling it. For example, make sure that air levels are measured, and wear a proper respirator to avoid asbestos fibers.
If you live in a house or work in a building that has pipes or other products containing asbestos, you generally don’t need to take special precautions. Being around products that contain asbestos isn’t a danger, as long as the asbestos is enclosed. This prevents the fibers from getting into the air.
If you smoke, quit. Smoking greatly increases your risk of if you have , , or . Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit smoking. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke.
If you have trouble quitting smoking on your own, consider joining a support group. Many hospitals, workplaces, and community groups offer classes to help people quit smoking…