Asbestos is a material that was once commonly used in building materials and house products because of its fire-retardant capabilities. Today, it’s understood that asbestos has severe effects on people who have been exposed to the mineral. The mineral can harm victims’ lungs, leading to lung cancer and mesothelioma.
While the material isn’t used nearly as much as it once was, people still suffer from exposure. Construction workers, mechanics and firemen are often exposed to latent asbestos left behind in older homes and products. If you work in one of these jobs and believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos, here’s what you should know:
Wash your body and clothing
Small fibers of asbestos infiltrate the air when broken. These particles can attach to skin and clothing. While not immediately harmful, these fibers can fall off the body and clothing and affect others. People exposed in this manner can suffer from second-hand asbestos exposure.
You don’t want to bring asbestos home around the people you care for. If you believe you’ve been working with asbestos, then it’s necessary to wash your body and clothing thoroughly.
Seek out a doctor who understands
Many people are unknowingly exposed to asbestos for months and others are exposed for years. The amount of time you are around asbestos can greatly determine how you’ve been affected. Short-term asbestos exposure may mean you have a lower chance of developing medical issues. However, long-term asbestos exposure can lead to major diseases.
You may not know how long you’ve been exposed to asbestos. You may need to seek medical help to undergo examinations and understand how long you’ve been exposed.
Asbestos exposure can greatly affect your life. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, you may need to seek legal help as you consider your compensation options.