How to Test for Asbestos Exposure

Your physician can conduct extensive exams.

Asbestos is formed from mineral fibers that are used for commercial purposes such as home insulation. The fibers can easily become inhaled or ingested when the asbestos fibers separate. When you inhale these fibers, cellular damage can occur to your tissues and organ linings. Eventually this damage can result in various diseases. According to the site Asbestos, common diseases resulting from the inhalation of asbestos include asbestosis (a breathing disorder) and various forms of cancer. If you feel that you have become exposed to asbestos, you can consult with your physician to conduct exams.

Things You'll Need

• Physical examination
• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• Pulmonary tests
• Biopsy

Instructions

Physical Exam

1. 

   Let your physician know if you work construction.

   Undergo a physical exam, which will include a history of when you began experiencing symptoms. Let your physician know if you are working at a construction site or if you feel that you have been contaminated at your home.

2. 

   Get a chest X-ray.

   Get an X-ray of your lungs. An X-ray will determine if there is scarring on your lung tissues or plaque development.

3. Get a computed tomography (CT) scan after receiving a chest X-ray. CT scans offer a more detailed view of any abnormalities found within your lung tissues.

4. 

   Give a sputum sample.

   Take a pulmonary test. This test will include giving a sputum sample (coughing up fluid from your lungs) and performing breathing exercises.

5. 

   Have a biopsy performed.

   Allow your physician to perform a lung biopsy if necessary. Tissues from your lung will be removed to detect anything out of the ordinary.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the Mayo Clinic, if you suffer from asbestosis, you lungs will have a honeycomb appearance to it on a chest X-ray.

• Plaques that appear on your chest X-ray may be an indicator of asbestos exposure.

• Plaques are white tissue abnormalities that from collagen bundles on your tissues.

References

• Asbestos: What is Asbestos
• Mayo Clinic: Asbestosis Tests

Resources

• National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Asbestos Related lung Diseases