The health effects of asbestos exposure can take a long time to manifest, often 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.
Here we discuss how long it can take for asbestos to affect you, why latency periods vary, the signs of asbestos exposure, and what you can do to reduce the risks.
Please note, it is important to seek medical advice if asbestos exposure is suspected, as early monitoring can help manage and mitigate the risk of serious health conditions.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis typically develops 15 to 30 years after prolonged exposure to high levels of asbestos.
Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres, leading to scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue. The scarring reduces lung capacity and affects breathing.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the pleura (lining of the lungs) or, less commonly, the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) and other body cavities like the pericardium (lining of the heart).
This disease often develops 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, though cases have been recorded with latency periods as short as 10 years.
Lung cancer
Asbestos exposure is a known cause of lung cancer, particularly in individuals who also smoke. The risk increases significantly in smokers due to the combined harmful effects on lung tissue.
The latency period for lung cancer related to asbestos exposure is typically 15 to 35 years.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are the most common asbestos-related condition, involving localised thickening or calcification of the pleura.
Pleural plaques normally develop 20 to 30 years after exposure. They do not often result in symptoms or health conditions, but they are an indicator of asbestos exposure which may cause mesothelioma to develop later.
Why do disease latency periods vary?
You might be wondering why asbestosis, for example, takes 15 years to develop in some people, but 30 years in others.
These are factors that affect the latency periods of asbestos-related diseases:
Fibre lodgement and tissue irritation
- Asbestos fibres are microscopic and can easily be inhaled or swallowed, becoming embedded in lung tissues or other organs. The body’s immune system struggles to break down these fibres, causing chronic inflammation and irritation in the surrounding tissue over many years.
- This inflammation can slowly lead to cellular damage, scarring (asbestosis), or even the development of cancer (mesothelioma or lung cancer). The time it takes to show symptoms depends on an individual’s immune system.
Level of exposure
- The concentration of asbestos fibres in the environment where the exposure occurred plays a significant role in the latency period.
- Higher levels of exposure, particularly in occupational settings such as construction, shipbuilding, or asbestos mining, often lead to a shorter latency period.
- People exposed to lower levels may not see symptoms for several decades.
Duration of exposure
- Those who were exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
- Long-term exposure leads to a higher accumulation of fibres in the lungs and other tissues, increasing the chances of tissue damage and resulting in a relatively shorter latency period compared to someone with brief, intermittent exposure.
Type of asbestos fibre
- Different types of asbestos have varying impacts on the body.
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibres, for example, are particularly fine and more easily penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to a shorter latency period and a higher likelihood of causing mesothelioma.
- Chrysotile (white asbestos), though still dangerous, tends to clear from the lungs more easily, contributing to a longer latency period.
Individual health factors
Personal health conditions, including the overall function of the immune and respiratory systems, can affect the latency period.
For instance:
- Age at exposure. People exposed at a younger age may have a longer latency period because they are generally healthier.
- Pre-existing lung conditions. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues may experience asbestos-related symptoms sooner due to compromised lung function.
- Smoking. Smokers exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing lung cancer, and their latency period may be shortened due to the combined effects of tobacco smoke and asbestos fibres on lung tissue.
Genetic factors
- Research suggests that genetic predisposition may also play a role in how asbestos exposure affects individuals.
- Some people may be more susceptible to developing asbestos-related diseases due to their genetic makeup, potentially altering the latency period.
What happens if you breathe in asbestos?
When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they release tiny fibres into the air, which can be easily inhaled. Once inhaled, these fibres can become trapped in the lungs, causing serious health issues over time.
If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, it is crucial to seek medical advice, even if symptoms are not immediately present.
What happens if you breathe in asbestos once?
The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases is generally proportional to the intensity and duration of exposure. As people are exposed over time, more fibres accumulate in the lungs, which increases the likelihood of long-term damage.
However, even brief or low-level exposure can lead to serious diseases, particularly mesothelioma.
Should I be worried about asbestos?
Research is increasingly focused on the effects of secondary exposure (for example, family members of asbestos workers). This type of exposure can still lead to diseases like mesothelioma.
Studies show that secondary asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma in women. This is because workers who handle asbestos may unknowingly carry asbestos fibres on their clothes, hair or skin. So, family members, especially those washing work clothes, can be exposed to those fibres.
People who have not worked with asbestos may also be affected by their general environment. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) 53 health professionals and 94 education workers have died of mesothelioma since 2017, simply due to the neglected state of buildings.
A report by Mesothelioma UK revealed the total cost of asbestos related diseases amongst former education and hospital workers was £1.3 billion in 2023 due to the costs of social care, medical treatment, loss of productivity and compensation claims.
What are the signs of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues, but the signs and symptoms of asbestos-related conditions typically do not appear until many years after exposure. Here are the common signs to look out for:
- Shortness of breath: one of the earliest signs, especially during physical exertion.
- Persistent dry cough: chronic and without other apparent causes.
- Chest tightness or pain: often a result of lung damage.
- Crackling sound when breathing: known as “rales,” this is heard when listening to the lungs with a stethoscope.
- Loss of appetite or weight loss: can accompany more advanced conditions.
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness: often due to reduced lung function.
- Clubbing of fingers: enlargement of the fingertips, often linked to long-term lung issues.
If someone has been exposed to asbestos, they should seek medical advice even before symptoms appear, as early detection and monitoring is crucial.
Can you recover from asbestos exposure?
Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the effects of asbestos exposure once it has occurred. The body cannot expel asbestos fibres once they are inhaled.
However, while you cannot recover from the exposure itself, it is possible to manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of asbestos-related diseases progressing, through:
1. Early detection
Regular health check-ups and screenings can help detect asbestos-related conditions early. For example, if asbestosis is diagnosed early, doctors may be able to slow the progression with treatments such as medication or lifestyle changes.
3. Stop smoking
If you have been exposed to asbestos and smoke, stopping smoking is one of the most important steps you can take. The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure increases this risk exponentially, up to 50 to 90 times greater than non-exposed individuals.
2. Managing symptoms
Treatment for asbestos-related diseases focuses on managing symptoms. For example, individuals with asbestosis may be prescribed oxygen therapy to help with breathing, while pain relief may be offered for those with mesothelioma.
4. Regular monitoring
For those with a history of asbestos exposure, regular lung function tests and chest x-rays or CT scans can help monitor lung health and detect any issues early.
The good news is that there have been some positive medical developments recently in the treatment of mesothelioma.
An international trial led by Queen Mary University in London recently trialled a drug that greatly improves survival rates from the disease, by cutting off food supply to the tumour. This significant breakthrough was published in the journal, JAMA Oncology, in February 2024.
There are also other promising new treatments emerging including immunotherapy which helps the immune system to attack cancer cells, and gene therapy which weakens mesothelioma cells.
How can asbestos-related diseases be eliminated?
The most effective strategy for reducing asbestos-related diseases is to take measures to prevent exposure in the first place.
Prevention is achieved by complying with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, following stringent safety practices and raising awareness amongst those who may be exposed to asbestos.
- Aims to prevent accidental exposure to asbestos by ensuring participants have a thorough understanding of asbestos hazards and safe working practices.
- Our course has been developed by our experienced health and safety consultants and is accredited by the IATP, so you can be sure training is high-quality and supports you to meet your legal obligations.
To learn more about our Asbestos Awareness training, please visit our website or contact our friendly team on 0203 011 4242 or info@praxis42.com.
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
