Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in countless construction materials during most of the 20th Century because of its strength, fire resistance, and affordability. However, asbestos is a known carcinogen, and even brief exposures can lead to a number of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to take steps to protect your health. Here are specific steps you can take:
- Immediately stop exposure. If you are working or manipulating something you think contains asbestos – stop working with it immediately and leave the area where you were handling it.
- Wash your body and clothes with water. If you have been exposed to asbestos, thoroughly wet your body and clothing with water. Wet your clothing down before you change out of it. This will help lessen the chances that remaining asbestos fibers on your body and clothing become friable.
- Seek medical attention. If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to see a doctor. The doctor can assess your risk for developing asbestos-related health problems and recommend any necessary tests or treatment.
- Avoid further exposure. If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to avoid further exposure. This may mean avoiding certain areas of your home or workplace, or taking steps to remove asbestos from your environment.
- Only use professional abatement professionals to remove asbestos.
If you are concerned about asbestos exposure, you should contact a qualified professional for help. Asbestos removal professionals can safely remove asbestos from your home or workplace, and they can also provide you with information about how to protect your health.
Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure
The symptoms of asbestos exposure can decades to appear. But it’s important to let your doctor know if you have been exposed – they can begin to monitor you on a regular basis for the development of asbestos disease.
Some people who have been exposed to asbestos never develop any symptoms, while others develop serious health problems.
The most common symptoms of asbestos exposure include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Chills
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Treatment for Asbestos Exposure
There is no cure for asbestos-related diseases, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and early detection can improve treatment options/outcomes. Treatment for asbestos-related diseases may include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Pain medication
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
Preventing Asbestos Exposure
The best way to prevent asbestos exposure is to avoid contact with asbestos-containing materials. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to take steps to protect your health.
You can help to prevent asbestos exposure by:
- Do NOT drill, cut, tear or otherwise work with any building material which you suspect may be asbestos containing
- If you have any doubt whether a material is asbestos containing, have it tested by a professional abatement specialist
- Only use a professional abatement specialist to remove or clean up asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause serious health problems. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to take steps to protect your health. By following the tips in this article, you can help to reduce your risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
Legal Issues Related to Asbestos Exposure
If you develop an asbestos related disease, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the company that exposed you to asbestos.
If you are considering filing a lawsuit, it is important to speak with an attorney who is experienced in asbestos litigation. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can represent you in court if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Here are some of the legal issues that may arise in a lawsuit involving asbestos exposure:
- Negligence: If you were exposed to asbestos at work, your employer may be liable for your injuries if it failed to take reasonable steps to protect you from exposure.
- Products liability: In some states, companies that manufacture or sell asbestos-containing products may be liable for the injuries caused by those products.
- Compensation: If you are successful in a lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can represent you in court if you decide to file a lawsuit.
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