Occupational Health & Medicals

- Asbestos Health Surveillance Medicals

Asbestos Health Surveillance Medicals

At Moorhouse Medical Centre we specialise in Asbestos Health Surveillance Medicals.

What happens during the medical?

Questionnaire

An occupational nurse specialist will guide you through a comprehensive questionnaire about your occupational and environmental history, potential exposure history, respiratory symptoms and history. You will also discuss personal protective equipment and any issues with this.

Spirometry

You will have a spirometry lung function test which help identify either:

  • Normal lung function
  • Obstructive pattern lung function
  • Restrictive pattern lung function

Chest X-Ray

Chest x-ray is the most common tool used to detect asbestos-related diseases. It is important to note that x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibres in the lungs, but they can help identify any early signs of lung disease resulting from asbestos exposure.

Review with a Doctor

The doctor will listen to your heart and lungs and discuss your results with you. You need to allow one hour for your medical and x-ray.

Why screen for Asbestos exposure?

Asbestos exposure is linked to asbestosis, lung cancer and an aggressive cancer called mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause permanent and irreversible damage to vital organs. Typically, disease occurs 10 – 50 years after exposure. Early detection is often difficult; asbestos-related disease symptoms are generally vague and can be easily confused with other illnesses, such as pneumonia. Only a doctor can properly diagnose asbestos-related diseases. Monitoring your health is a requirement of the New Zealand Health and Safety in Employment (Asbestos) Regulations 1998. Occupations with a high risk of asbestos exposure include, but are not limited to:

  • Construction trades
  • Workers involved in the manufacture of asbestos products
  • Asbestos mining and milling
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Carpenters

Asbestos related disease can be diagnosed by regular assessment of lung function and chest x-rays.