Health Risks Flashcards

Which occupational group has historically been at the highest risk of asbestos-related disease in the UK?

Answer: Building maintenance and construction workers

Building maintenance and construction workers, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and demolition workers, have historically been at highest risk. They are most likely to disturb asbestos-containing materials during their work.

What is the current UK workplace exposure limit (WEL) for asbestos?

Answer: 0.1 fibres per ml of air

The UK workplace exposure limit for asbestos is 0.1 fibres per millilitre of air, averaged over a continuous 4-hour period. This applies to all types of asbestos and must not be exceeded.

Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure differs from mesothelioma in that:

Answer: It develops in the lung tissue itself, not the lining

Asbestos-related lung cancer develops in the lung tissue itself, whereas mesothelioma develops in the lining (mesothelium). Smoking combined with asbestos exposure dramatically increases lung cancer risk — up to 50 times greater than a non-exposed non-smoker.

What happens to asbestos fibres once they are inhaled into the lungs?

Answer: They become permanently lodged in the lung tissue

Once inhaled, asbestos fibres become permanently lodged in the lung tissue. The body cannot break down or remove these fibres, which is why they cause ongoing damage and disease development over many years.

How does smoking interact with asbestos exposure regarding lung cancer risk?

Answer: Smoking multiplies the risk by up to 50 times

Smoking combined with asbestos exposure has a synergistic effect, multiplying the risk of developing lung cancer by up to 50 times compared to someone who neither smokes nor is exposed to asbestos.

What is diffuse pleural thickening?

Answer: Extensive scarring and thickening of the lung lining that can restrict breathing

Diffuse pleural thickening is extensive scarring and thickening of the pleura (lung lining) caused by asbestos exposure. Unlike pleural plaques, it can cause significant breathlessness by restricting the lungs' ability to expand.