World Lung Day

This week, we celebrate World Lung Day. This is a national day dedicated to raising awareness around the risks of work activities on lung health, and to educate and promote good respiratory health practices.
This year’s theme is Access to Prevention and Treatment for all. Leave no one behind.
We use this day to ensure that everyone has access to necessary care, and to remind us of the importance of looking after our lungs and prioritizing our respiratory health.

Exposure to asbestos can have a detrimental impact on our lungs, causing illnesses such as asbestosis. This is a rare but serious lung condition that affects people who have had exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include:
• Shortness of Breath
• Persistent Coughing
• Fatigue
• Shoulder and Chest Pain

Those who have worked in the construction industry are at higher risk of asbestosis, due to increased chances of asbestos exposure. Asbestosis is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. These fibres can get lodged in your lungs and cause damage and scarring to the lung tissue.

If you have any of these symptoms, or are concerned about your respiratory or lung health, contact your local GP.
For more information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asbestosis/