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What To Do When You Find Asbestos

By Tom Pierson posted 02-15-2020 19:44

  

Remnants of asbestos can still remain in walls, products and pipes plus symptoms of past exposure can arise up to 50 years later. Shock and fear may be your first reactions when you discover you have been exposed to asbestos, but you must get past emotions to act quickly.

Understanding Asbestos


Asbestos is a silicate mineral comprising fibrous materials valued for fireproofing and insulation capabilities. It also strengthens other fibers, cloth and paper. Yet, the heat-resistant and anti-corrosion qualities behind its durability are harmful and toxic to human beings.


This has not stopped builders and manufacturers from getting away with a little of it.

Isn't Asbestos Banned?


People believe asbestos was banned entirely from construction, manufacturing and clothing industries. In fact, the United States only strictly limited asbestos use. It continues to import tons for regulated use in protective clothing, for instance

You Need Medical Treatment for Asbestos Outcomes


Asbestos dust and fine particles are microscopic with airborne capabilities. Residuals stick in ventilation systems, roofing and piping which may have received minor treatment without full replacement. Minute quantities are enough to begin side effects and disease if they are inhaled.


The gestation periods for cell damage and disease due to asbestos are long. Decades after initial exposure, people can suffer from:


  • Asbestosis. Although noncancerous, this condition is a long-term lung disease.
  • Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the lungs, heart and chest. It is a devastating outcome of asbestos contact. You could have rights to justice against sources of that contact.
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma. This more rare form of mesothelioma comes from ingesting asbestos through liquids rather than inhalation.
  • Lung cancer. Asbestos is a common culprit behind this form of cancer, particularly for non-smokers.

Get Immediate Help If You Find Or Suspect Asbestos


If you are notified of an asbestos threat in your workplace or school, make two appointments immediately. Your physician will conduct chest x-rays and pulmonary function tests to determine possible asbestos levels. A mesothelioma lawyer will advise you of your rights plus initiate a deeper investigation on your behalf.

Take Precautions


You can not afford to bet on luck with asbestos. You must:


  • Handle suspicious material with latex gloves and wear a respirator mask around it.
  • Seal off all rooms and areas you suspect have asbestos present. Stay out until experts arrive to test and remedy the problem.
  • Transfer your child out of an asbestos-risk school and work from home if alert comes at your job.

What if you have not received notifications or been near construction, but you still find asbestos behind symptoms or disease?


This complex scenario requires legal counsel to investigate your history and possible sources.  They know seemingly innocent culprits are talc powder, talc-based toys and cosmetics (even for children).


Avoid do-it-yourself kits. A legitimate asbestos testing lab has legal credibility. Ship a portion of the suspicious material but retain some for your own evidence.


Move past fears and worry to seek professional representation if you find asbestos or receive mesothelioma and lung cancer diagnoses. Even if exposure was years ago, you have options to beat its diseases and rights to compensation for your suffering.

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