Asbestos exposure can lead to cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and many other diseases that can destroy the body. Treating asbestos often requires extreme treatments.
Your job, however, may involve heavy exposure which requires you to wear tons of protective gear – but that doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. Because asbestos can stay in your lungs for years and may not cause any problems for several decades, it can be hard to tell when you’re exposed.
If you worry you’ve been exposed to asbestos, here’s what you should do:
1. Contact your doctor
The best person who may know what asbestos exposure looks like would likely be your doctor. If your doctor believes you have been exposed, they may be able to take immediate action to resolve any concerns. Even if you aren’t showing signs of exposure, your doctor may be able to keep a tight watch on your health, especially if you’re in a field where asbestos exposure is high.
2. Schedule periodic medical visits
There are several screenings your doctor might schedule you to do to test for asbestos exposure. If any tests reveal minor exposure to asbestos, there may be swift treatment to reduce the chances of future medical problems.
3. Watch for symptoms
It’s always recommended to see a doctor when health concerns arise, but if you don’t see your doctor that much, you may still be able to watch for growing symptoms of asbestos exposure. Many people who are exposed report symptoms of shallow breathing, tight chestedness, fatigue and dry coughs. You should contact a doctor immediately if you believe you have these symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may need to reach out for legal help. Many jobs require employees to work around asbestos daily. The link between your diagnosis and your job may be a cause of your medical complications.