Overview of radon, lead and asbestos exposure.
Reducing the incidence of diseases caused by exposure to radon, lead and asbestos is a major public health challenge. Radon gas, which usually enters a home through the foundation, can cause lung cancer. Exposure to lead through paint, auto emissions and other sources can cause neurologic deficits, as well as anemia, abnormal vitamin D metabolism, nephropathy, hypertension and reproductive abnormalities. Asbestos, which is used in a vast number of products, is primarily associated with parenchymal asbestosis, pleural fibrosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. The family physician can play a pivotal role in providing information about hazardous exposure, sources of exposure, epidemiology and disease prevention.
Demers
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Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.
D000328:Adult; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011886:Radon / Q000009:adverse effects*
D001194:Asbestos; D007854:Lead; D011886:Radon