Asbestos products were used in the building trade until about two decades ago because they were cheap and fire resistant. The use of asbestos was discontinued because of the health implications of inhaling asbestos fibres. However, some buildings may still contain previously installed materials made from asbestos.
Exposure to asbestos fibres presents the risk of certain health problems, which include asbestosis or scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs, diffuse thickening of the lung pleura, asbestos-related lung cancer and cancer of the inner lining of the chest wall or abdominal cavity, referred to as mesothelioma.
Physiotherapy is a rehabilitation speciality involved in the restoration of mobility, function and quality of life in persons affected by injury, illness or disability. Practitioners in this field are referred to as physiotherapists. They are specially trained and regulated to help people of all ages in managing a wide range of health conditions.
In Australia, they must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. They often work as part of multi-disciplinary teams in hospitals, health centres, GP surgeries and other health settings.
