Short Answer: Probably. The only way to unequivocally identify asbestos fibers in the lungs, or any other human tissue, is through an autopsy. However, an X-ray can help to identify a number of tell-tale shadows and potential indicators of asbestos scarring in affected patients.

Once widely used as an effective and inexpensive construction material, modern healthcare professionals now understand the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. The substance is a well-known carcinogen, with exposure to asbestos fibers considered the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that can damage the majority of the internal organs.

Asbestos exposure is associated with up to 80% of mesothelioma cases, with one study finding  one out of ten people who worked with asbestos will likely develop mesothelioma. Additionally, asbestos exposure has been linked with the development of several related diseases, including:

  • Lung cancer
  • Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Kidney cancer
  • Pleural effusions
  • Asbestosis 

How does asbestos affect the body?

Asbestos fibers only become harmful when they’re released into the air. If asbestos is agitated, individual fibers can break down into microscopic particles which then become airborne. If these particles are inhaled, they can collect in the lungs causing significant scarring and inflammation.

Damage from asbestos exposure typically develops slowly, with many patients only beginning to notice asbestos symptoms decades after initial exposure. For this reason, it’s advisable to seek medical assistance to assess both historic cases and potential second-hand asbestos exposure. 

How is asbestos damage identified?

As stated above, an autopsy is needed to unequivocally identify asbestos fibers in the lungs or human tissue by dissecting and examining it. But there are a number of tell-tale shadows and potential indicators of asbestos that show up in X-rays, and specially trained radiologists known as B-readers are able to identify asbestos scarring from a chest X-ray.

These shadows and other potential indicators may only be officially determined by B reader, because these professionals must possess specific certification and qualifications to officially identify asbestos damage.

What is a B reader?

A B reader is a trained medical professional certified by the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) to examine X-rays of the lungs for indications of specific diseases. Alongside signs of asbestos damage, B readers are permitted to identify abnormalities related to various occupational exposure hazards including signs of pneumoconiosis and silicosis.

To become a certified B reader, practicing physicians must sit for and pass the NIOSH B Reader Certification Examination. This exam ensures candidates can identify the presence or absence of small opacities, large opacities and any pleural anomalies consistent with asbestos damage.

What do B readers look for?

Certified B readers are trained to evaluate chest X-rays to determine whether inhaled asbestos particles have caused visible damage to the lungs. B readers adhere to a step-by-step process whereby any changes or abnormalities in the lungs are recorded. Typically, changes consistent with asbestos damage will be highlighted by areas of excessive whiteness in the lung tissue.

In addition, small or large nodules can form in the lungs which B readers are trained to identify, alongside signs of pleural thickening and pleural plaques consistent with asbestos exposure. B readers are qualified to scan and evaluate chest X-rays in search of these indicators, most of which will show up as areas of irregular density or wedge-shaped deformities in the lung tissue.

What happens if I test positive for asbestos scarring?

B reader evaluations are the main way to detect asbestos health damage in affected patients, with this process used to determine an official medical diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the damage and the patient’s specific symptoms, a treatment plan will be devised to manage symptoms and preserve lung function, with further tests if signs of cancer have been detected.

Non-cancerous asbestosis is an irreversible condition, meaning treatment plans will typically be focussed on reducing pain and preserving lung function. Common treatment options include:

  • Oxygen therapy – Receiving supplemental oxygen to help patients breathe more comfortably
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation – Behavioral changes and exercises designed to improve lung function
  • Lung transplant – Though very rare, in some cases a lung transplant may be considered

If the patient’s X-ray shows signs of mesothelioma, further tests will be conducted including a biopsy to determine the presence and extent of the cancer. Treatment plans for mesothelioma typically involve a combination of therapies such as mesothelioma drugs, radiation and surgery. 

Risk factors for asbestos exposure

Trade workers typically experience an elevated risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, in particular, persons employed in construction, repair and manufacturing roles between 1940 and 1979. Additionally, occupational exposures can occur during the repair, renovation, removal or maintenance of older properties or products containing asbestos if precautions are not followed.

Smoking

Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer, with the major symptoms of smoking-related diseases often manifesting in a similar way to those associated with asbestos damage. This can lead patients to attribute symptoms to the wrong cause, especially if they’re unaware of being exposed to asbestos via second-hand means, highlighting the importance of X-ray evaluations.

In addition, research suggests there are synergistic health effects of asbestos and smoking, with the interaction of asbestos particles and the chemicals in tobacco smoke known to increase the risk of patients developing lung cancer and related diseases by multiple factors.

Second-hand exposure

Many people may not realize they’ve been injured by asbestos as to the best of their knowledge they’ve never been exposed. However, asbestos fibers can become attached to the clothing of exposed individuals, traveling into their homes and contributing to domestic asbestos exposure.

Studies reveal that although occupational asbestos exposure is most commonly reported in men working in industries like construction and manufacturing, women are also at risk from exposure to asbestos. Data indicates one out of five women with mesothelioma did not work outside the home, with the most common occupation among women with mesothelioma being homemaker.

Without X-ray evaluations, second-hand or domestic asbestos exposure may be misdiagnosed. 

B reader X-rays can be used as evidence when filing an asbestos claim. If asbestos damage is detected in a patient’s lungs, the individual may have grounds to seek compensation. Patients may file a personal injury lawsuit if they feel a company failed to warn staff about the hazards of asbestos. Similarly, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed if the patient passes before resolution.

Patients may also seek compensation via asbestos trusts, entities funded by companies and insurance providers to deliver compensation to victims of asbestos injury. In particular, damage from second-hand exposure that took place before 1982 is eligible for compensation from trusts.