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Early warning signs of asbestos-related diseases and when to seek assessment

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Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health conditions, often developing many years after the initial contact. Understanding asbestos exposure symptoms and recognising the early signs of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease symptoms is an important step towards early diagnosis and better outcomes.

Understanding Asbestos health risks

Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, can become trapped in the lungs and remain there for decades. Over time, this can cause inflammation and scarring that may lead to lung diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer.

Although the use of new asbestos products was banned in Australia from December 2003, exposure remains a real and ongoing risk for many Australians. Around 1 in 3 homes are estimated to contain asbestos, particularly those built or renovated before 1990, and more than 6 million tonnes of asbestos-containing materials remain in the built environment. More than a quarter of this is in residential buildings.

Consequently, people who work (or worked) in trades, construction or DIY renovation may have been exposed. If you’ve worked in environments where asbestos was present, it’s important to understand the long-term impact of exposure and the value of ongoing health monitoring. Learn more about how asbestos affects the body.

Early signs to watch for

Since asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop, symptoms may appear gradually and can be mistaken for other respiratory conditions. Furthermore, with symptoms often only becoming evident when lung disease is advanced, early awareness makes a big difference for early screening, diagnosis and intervention.

If you think you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, be sure to advise your GP (or other health professionals) as soon as practicable, and continue to look out for symptoms such as:

  • Shortness of breath, even with light activity
  • Persistent dry cough or wheezing
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
  • Swelling or pain in the abdomen

If you’ve ever worked with or around asbestos, even briefly, these symptoms should not be ignored.

When to see a doctor

Knowing when to see a doctor about potential or known asbestos exposure is essential.

Have symptoms and potential or known asbestos exposure

If you experience any of the symptoms above and have a known or suspected history of asbestos contact, make an appointment with your GP to discuss. They can discuss your history and symptoms and recommended next steps and, if necessary, refer you to a respiratory specialist.

No symptoms but have potential or known asbestos exposure

If you have a known history of asbestos contact, but don’t have any symptoms, be sure to advise your GP (or other health professionals) of this exposure. While there is no simple medical test to predict who might develop an asbestos-related disease from exposure, it is important to mention any previous exposure so they are aware and can monitor your health, provide direction for follow up and recommendations per the relevant health monitoring guidelines.

If you are unsure about your exposure history or need guidance, you can learn more about asbestos, how asbestos-related diseases develop, screening and early detection here.

The value of early assessment

Early detection gives people the best chance to manage their health and access support services. While there’s no cure for some lung diseases, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you’re concerned about your health or your history of asbestos exposure, speak to your doctor today or explore our resources for patients and families.

Supporting a healthier future

Our team is dedicated to advancing understanding, improving early detection, and finding better treatments for asbestos-related diseases. By raising awareness of asbestos exposure symptoms and encouraging people to seek medical advice early, we’re helping create a future where these preventable diseases are a thing of the past.

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Have you been impacted?

Have you had a Mesothelioma diagnosis or are you worried that you may have been exposed to asbestos?

Please contact our Mesothelioma Support Team via phone +61 2 9767 9854 or email support@addri.org.au.

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