What Should You Do If You Inhale Asbestos?
Asbestos has received praise in the past for its fire-resistant properties. However, it has unveiled a sinister side over numerous years. It has been linked to multiple health complications because of the microscopic fibers that could float in the air. Those fibers can be inhaled, and someone may not even know it.
While asbestos is hazardous, it is important to continue generating awareness so people are aware of the health risks. Professional asbestos removal companies utilize safe measures to remove the material and wear special equipment to get the job done. But what if you inhale asbestos? Let’s discuss this question and more.
What Happens When You Inhale Asbestos?
The fibers found in asbestos cannot be seen by the naked eye, yet their texture is sharp enough to cause damage. Because the fibers are unseen, they can be easily inhaled. Once they are inside the lungs, they will reside in the lining of this organ or deep within the tissue itself.
Long-term effects like inflammation and scarring (asbestosis) likely occur. Plus, other potential severe diseases can occur, such as:
- Mesothelioma: This cancer is rare and very aggressive. It will be prevalent along the lining of your lungs.
- Lung cancer: While mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer, the regular form of it due to asbestos exposure is also possible.
- Pleural plaques: These will thicken along the pleura of your lungs.
It is also essential to know the timeline regarding asbestos exposure. Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can manifest anywhere from 10 to 40 years after the initial exposure. Because of this lengthy timeline, you have more than enough time to respond to a potential inhalation while prioritizing long-term monitoring. Early detection of health issues could prolong your life with treatment, which is better than catching it when it might be too little too late.
Leave The Contaminated Area Immediately
If you believe you have inhaled asbestos, leave the area immediately without further delay. Timing is critical; the longer you remain in the region, the more exposed you will be and inhale more fibers. Close the door and place a sign or warning to alert others not to enter (when you can do so safely). Do not touch clothing, skin, or hair until a thorough inspection is done to ensure no other fibers are hanging onto you. The presence of leftover fibers can cause possible exposure to others, even if you are no longer in the affected area.
Avoid Spreading The Contamination
It is critical to avoid spreading the fibers and prevent overall contamination. For this reason, do not shake out your clothes, dust off, or clean up. Instead, carefully remove the articles of exposed clothing and place them in a plastic container or bag. Thoroughly wash your hands and face, but do not scrub aggressively.
At this point, you want to ensure the affected area is professionally assessed. This is where contacting an asbestos removal professional will come in handy. Do not under any circumstances perform a DIY cleanup on your own, as you can further risk exposure and make the problem worse than ever before. Even if you own equipment that may be used by asbestos removal professionals, seeking assistance rather than attempt the process yourself is much safer.
Seek Medical Attention And Monitor Yourself
Just because you feel fine now doesn’t mean you should avoid getting medical attention. Notifying your healthcare provider as soon as possible regarding possible asbestos exposure can be the right thing to do. Please note that there are no medical procedures to remove asbestos fiber from your lungs. However, your healthcare professional can record the situation, giving you a baseline to monitor yourself for any health conditions and, if needed, legal documentation.
Meanwhile, your physician may recommend that a series of procedures like a pulmonary function test and a chest x-ray be done. They might also refer you to a specialist who is familiar with asbestos-related illnesses. At this point, it’s a matter of monitoring your health over the course of a lengthy period of time. To help you easily monitor the long-term effects, you will need to keep a record of the following details:
- Date and time of exposure
- Location and duration of exposure
- Witnesses and other persons exposed (if any)
- The circumstances (e.g., demolition, renovation, etc.)
Keep in mind that recording such information will be critical, especially if you need a health screening or if legal proceedings are possible. Today, many attorneys are representing those who have contracted illnesses from asbestos. If you are officially diagnosed with a health condition such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, you may be entitled to legal compensation. This will also depend on the statute of limitation in your jurisdiction - which is around 1 to 4 years from the date or diagnosis or death.
Report The Exposure If Applicable
Reporting exposure to asbestos in the workplace is highly recommended. You also have the legal capability to do so under the purview of occupational health and safety regulations. Notify your employer and file a report accordingly, as they have the legal duty to ensure the work environment for their employees is safe at all times - including in situations where such job sites have a higher than-likely presence of asbestos. Your employer must be made aware of it in order to warn other employees or face legal repercussions as a result.
Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be procedures for reporting the incident, which must be followed accordingly. It is also wise to participate in health monitoring programs or receive any benefits associated with occupational hazards. Once again, reporting will be critical if such health issues arise or if you need to consult a legal professional who specializes in occupational hazards. You may not be able to move forward with legal proceedings unless you have been officially diagnosed with a serious health issue linked to asbestos.
Schedule An Environmental Assessment
An environmental assessment is one of the most critical aspects of professional asbestos removal. A licensed specialist can assess, contain, and remove asbestos safely. They are highly trained to perform such tasks and strongly discourage anyone from attempting to remove the asbestos themselves - even if you have equipment you own that is designed to get the job done. Find a professional who is experienced, has a good track record, and is able to perform the assessment and subsequent removal safely.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos exposure is dangerous. If you inhale asbestos, taking the necessary actions will be critical. While symptoms from exposure will take a long time to settle in, monitoring yourself for any medical conditions in the long term is a must. Also, the option to pursue legal action should not be taken off the table as there may be an opportunity to seek compensation that can help with medical expenses. Nevertheless, asbestos removal should not be attempted by anyone with neither the skill nor the proper equipment to perform the task safely.