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"A B-reader is a physician authorized by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health who demonstrates proficiency in the classification of specific chest X-Rays. The main duty of a B-reader is to serve the best interests of patients by classifying chest X-Rays as correctly as possible."
- By Michael Bartlett
For many years asbestos was considered an ideal solution in building materials due to its desirable qualities. Asbestos gives protection against fire, electricity, and energy loss. So, this popular material was used in a wide range of products such as ceiling and floor tiles, roofing materials or home insulation.
It took a long time to realize its negative effects on health, mainly because asbestos generated diseases develop over several decades. For instance, mesothelioma takes 20 to 50 years to develop after the initial exposure. Slowly, evidence emerged that exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to deadly diseases like asbestosis, and several types of cancers. And, starting with late 1970, measures were taken to protect workers and consumers.
Gradually most asbestos-based products were banned. Nonetheless, unaware of the dangers, people all across America had already been exposed to its harmful effects. When it became clear what we were up against, proper testing methods were developed in order to ensure an accurate diagnostic. This resulted in procedures of screening for asbestos.
The NIOSH B-Reader Program started in 1974 and was designed to provide reading methods, reader competency and appropriate methods for imaging collection and viewing. Short of surgery, the most reliable procedure in these cases is to perform scans as:
- computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan,
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan,
- X-rays;
Early Detection of Asbestos-Related Diseases Ensures Better Life Expectancy
B-Reader evaluation and screenings give you a better chance of detecting asbestos-related cancer earlier. Detection in the earliest stages makes cancer accessible to complete surgical removal. It should be noted that screening refers to testing of healthy people without symptoms. You should not take your health for granted. The sooner you find out, the sooner you get treatment.
Should I Schedule for a B-Reader Evaluation?
Cases of asbestos injuries occur both inside and outside the workplace (secondary exposure cases). If you work or worked in one of the following occupations you should get screened:
- aircraft and shipyard workers
- boiler makers
- brick cement and stone masons
- building contractors
- building inspectors
- carpenters
- construction workers
- electricians
- foundry workers
- gasket manufacturing workers
- insulators
- industrial workers
- iron workers
- janitors
- laborers
- machine operators
- manufacturing workers
- hvac mechanics
- millwrights
- painters
- paper mill workers
- steam fitters, pipe fitters, plumbers
- steel workers
- tile setters
- tire workers
- warehouse workers
- welders
Screening is a simple, painless and inexpensive procedure, and it might save your life.
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