What to do if you have been exposed to asbestos

Wellbeing

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis. Both conditions have devastating physical and emotional consequences, directly impacting the quality of your life. 

The symptoms of malignant mesothelioma can take nearly 20 years to develop. However, if you believe you’ve been exposed, taking the right steps can make a world of difference. Here’s what you need to do:

Remove yourself from the source

For decades, asbestos was used in construction for its excellent heat, fire, and electrical insulation properties. As the dangers of asbestos became known, its usage was banned across the world. However, many construction sites, old houses, and industrial units still have traces of asbestos in them. 

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos fibres, remove yourself from the source immediately. Don’t shake off the dust particles. Instead, wipe your skin and clothes with wet wipes. Place your contaminated clothes in a disposable bag and make sure they don’t come in contact with other clothes.

If you’ve found asbestos in your home, don’t attempt to remove it yourself. Call the authorities and follow their lead.  

See a doctor immediately

The next step is getting in touch with your family care physician. You can also get seen at an emergency care unit.

Health comes first — everything else is secondary. Once you’ve been checked, you can contact a mesothelioma lawyer to determine the best course of legal action.

Follow up with recommended screening tests

Any incident of asbestos exposure goes on your medical history and permanent record. To make a confirmed diagnosis, your doctor would recommend a series of screening tests. This includes:

  • Chest X-rays
  • CT scan
  • Pulmonary function tests

Keep in mind that these tests won’t directly show asbestos fibres, but assess the damage to your lungs and other respiratory organs.

You should also tell your doctor if you have a family history of lung or other cancers, as that can be a risk factor.

Consider your legal options

The next step is talking to an asbestos lawyer and assessing possible legal options. 

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos due to someone else’s negligence, such as an employer or commercial building owner, you have the right to file a claim. Asbestos exposure generally falls under personal injury cases and follows a somewhat similar course. 

A lawyer would determine the exact site of exposure before gathering necessary documents. This includes medical documents, employment records, and more. They will file a claim against the responsible party. Support from reputable law firms like ELSM Law can dramatically increase your chances of getting fair compensation. 

Watch for signs of mesothelioma

After seeking initial medical treatment and filing a claim, you need to watch out for signs of mesothelioma. Common types of pleural mesothelioma include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • A persistent, dry cough
  • Pain in the lower back or under the ribs
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite

As mentioned earlier, it takes asbestos-related diseases years to fully appear, but knowing the early signs can help you make informed decisions.