What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos?
We all know how harmful asbestos can be, but it’s not always possible to avoid every single scenario in which you could be exposed. Accidents and mistakes happen, and you have to be prepared for what to do if you find yourself in a situation where you believe you’ve come into contact with asbestos.
Here are some recommended steps to take:
- Know Your Risk Level
If you’ve come across asbestos, try to determine how high your exposure risk actually was. Asbestos is most harmful when its fibers are disturbed and released into the air, as this is when they’re most likely to be inhaled. This often happens during activities like construction, demolition, or renovations in older buildings where asbestos materials are present.
For example, if you briefly passed through an area where asbestos was handled or removed but had minimal contact, your risk is generally lower. However, if you were directly handling or near asbestos materials without proper safety gear, the risk increases.
Understanding your level of exposure can help you and your healthcare provider make more informed decisions about next steps.
- Avoid Further Exposure
If you’ve identified that you were exposed to asbestos, take immediate steps to avoid any further exposure. For instance, if you’re living in an older home or working on a renovation, stop any activities that could continue to disturb asbestos materials. Avoid touching, breaking, or moving materials that may contain asbestos, as disturbing them can release more fibers into the air.
In a work setting, report potential asbestos exposure to your employer, especially if safety protocols weren’t followed. Employers are required to provide safe working conditions, including adequate protection from asbestos, and should have protocols in place to minimize exposure.
- Decontaminate ASAP
If you believe you were exposed to asbestos, particularly in a work environment, decontamination is key to prevent fibers from spreading. Start by carefully removing and isolating your clothing to avoid tracking asbestos fibers into other areas of your home. Place any contaminated clothing in a sealed bag and wash it separately from other laundry.
Showering thoroughly after potential exposure can help wash away any lingering asbestos particles from your skin and hair. This decontamination process is especially important if you’ve been exposed to a high-risk environment, like a construction site. These steps not only protect you but also minimize the risk of exposing your family members or anyone else you come into contact with.
- Get Medical Attention/Advice
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to inform your doctor about your asbestos exposure, especially if it was significant or prolonged. Many asbestos-related health issues, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, don’t appear until decades after exposure, so early documentation and monitoring are crucial. Your healthcare provider may recommend an initial physical examination, along with lung function tests or imaging scans, to establish a baseline of your health.
These initial tests won’t necessarily show immediate problems, but they provide a starting point to monitor any changes over time. If you’re at high risk due to prolonged exposure, your doctor may recommend regular screenings to catch any early signs of asbestos-related illness. By building a medical history now, you increase your chances of early detection if any health concerns arise down the road.
- Know What Symptoms to Look For
Understanding the health risks associated with asbestos can help you recognize early symptoms and seek timely treatment. Asbestos exposure is linked to various health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis (a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers). Mesothelioma, in particular, is a rare but aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen.
Early mesothelioma symptoms can be subtle and may include shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, and fatigue. By knowing what to look for, you can be vigilant about your health and seek medical attention if any concerning symptoms arise.
- Keep Detailed Records
Documentation is important, especially if you were exposed to asbestos at work. Keep detailed records of your exposure, including the dates, location, activities, and any potential symptoms you may experience later on. If the exposure happened on the job, note any safety violations, lack of protective equipment, or inadequate safety protocols, as this documentation could be essential if you pursue workers’ compensation or other claims.
If you were exposed in your own home or during renovations, keep records of any contractors involved, building materials used, or inspections done on your property. Having comprehensive records will support any potential legal claims or medical treatments you may need in the future.
- Consider Legal Action if Necessary
If your asbestos exposure was due to negligence, such as unsafe working conditions, you may have grounds to pursue compensation. Contacting a legal professional experienced in asbestos cases can help you understand your rights and options. They can advise on potential claims for medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages that may result from exposure-related health issues. Many legal professionals offer free consultations for these types of cases, so it’s worth exploring your options, especially if you develop health complications related to asbestos exposure.
Avoiding Future Exposure
Once you’ve experienced asbestos exposure, take preventive steps to avoid future risks. If you’re working in a high-risk environment, advocate for proper safety training, follow protective measures, and use personal protective equipment, Additionally, stay informed about asbestos risks in older buildings and homes and always consult professionals if you need to handle or remove asbestos-containing materials. Avoidance is the best prevention!
