Asbestos has been responsible for thousands of cases of pleural mesothelioma. Used in the construction industry for decades, this substance can be found in everything from insulation to roofing to fire-resistant materials. As a result, seeking it out and removing it has become a key industry in updating homes and businesses and ensuring they are safe for occupation.
For people suffering from mesothelioma, the risk of contracting the coronavirus is high as immune systems are already compromised. To make matters worse, the coronavirus affects both lungs with symptoms not dissimilar to mesothelioma. Here is a guide on what to do to.
How do people get mesothelioma from Asbestos?
Asbestos is made up of millions of minute fibres. When people work near or with asbestos they can inhale these fibres. The fibres find their way into the pleura lining of the lungs. They stick there and irritate the pleura causing growths that lead to cancer. In the UK alone, there are over 2,500 diagnosed cases every year.
Asbestos doesn’t have to be disturbed for this to happen. Old buildings are especially at risk as wear and tear mean that building elements are more exposed and more likely to release fibres into the air. Add to this poor ventilation and the chances of inhaling fibres improve tenfold.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a tumour that forms in the mesothelium. This thin membrane covers your organs with most cases occurring in the lungs or abdomen. 9 out of 10 cases of mesothelioma occur in the lungs’ pleural layer and are linked to asbestos exposure.
Some of the symptoms people experience include;
- A persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Heavy sweating (especially at night)
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Aching/Dull chest pain
- Weight loss
What to do during the COVID-19 if you have Mesothelioma
Symptoms like shortness of breath, a fever, and shortness of breath are common in a lot of lung ailments. COVID-19 has been incorrectly described in the media as ‘like the flu’. While there may several symptoms that COVID-19, the flu, and mesothelioma share, COVID-19 is new with a lot yet to learn. For this reason, high-risk people such as patients with mesothelioma need to be sure to keep to strict isolation guidelines and protect themselves from catching the virus as it spreads.
Be sure to follow helpful blogs and websites like the Mesothelioma Guide, Cancer Research UK, and the NHS. Following government guidelines and limiting yourself to essential travel is another way to protect yourself and reduce the risk of catching the coronavirus.
Who are Midlands Asbestos Solutions
We have been working to reduce asbestos exposure for decades. We provide safe and fully licensed asbestos services throughout the UK. This includes licensed asbestos removal, surveys, collection and disposal, as well as asbestos repair & reinstatement works.
Our highly trained professional team who are specialists in dealing with any type of asbestos and each member of our team is committed to making homes and businesses safer for the British public.
We are fully behind the government’s initiative to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and have done what we can to help all those working in difficult and dangerous conditions. Whether it’s donating PPE or removing asbestos from homes, Midlands Asbestos Solutions works for the safety of our customers, clients and communities.