There is no other term within the construction and building industry that invokes more fear than asbestos. While this material was commonly used for many years, it then became apparent that it was incredibly toxic so, in the 1980s, it was banned.
That said, lots of asbestos containing products still remain so you’ll need to get a specialist in to handle this. But over the years, many of us may have been exposed to asbestos through work, DIY projects and other things and this can be a pretty scary thought.
But should you be worried if you were exposed to asbestos and what should you do? In this guide, we give you an overview of what to expect and whether you may be faced with health concerns. While it is a scary subject, it’s of the utmost importance that you understand it.
What Health Problems Are Caused By Asbestos?
When we think about asbestos, it’s easy to imagine the worst and while long term exposure to the material can cause serious problems, minute exposure is unlikely to carry any risks. That said, it is important to ALWAYS take precautions when working with asbestos.
But let’s think about what may potentially happen if you have been exposed to asbestos, especially for long periods of time.
Asbestosis
One of the most common conditions seen by doctors in relation to asbestos exposure is asbestosis. Thai is caused by breathing in asbestos fibres which, over time, can cause damage to the lungs. Normally this occurs when a person has spent many years inhaling asbestos and symptoms may include things like shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, chest pain and swollen fingers in the later stages. Inhalers and oxygen therapy are often used to combat the symptoms.
Related Article: What Training Do You Need To Work With Asbestos
Pleural Disease
Pleural disease is a lung condition but it is not cancerous. However, it does cause changes in the membrane that surrounds the lungs known as the pleura. This membrane can be damaged in several ways including thickening and fluid build up. For many people, this results in difficult breathing although this isn’t the case for everyone.
Mesothelioma
One of the scariest conditions that can be caused by asbestos exposure is a type of rare cancer known as mesothelioma. This affects the pleura and the lungs as well as other organs in this part of the body. The problem with this is that the condition rarely comes on in the early stages of exposure and could take up to 40 years to develop.
It is also worth noting that asbestos exposure can also result in other forms of lung cancer that are not quite as rare. However, their severity will differ from person to person.
Do I Need To See My Doctor?
For anybody that has had exposure to asbestos, regardless of the quantity, it is a good idea to contact your doctor to have a check up. Even if there are no current problems, your GP will be made aware of the exposure and can continue to monitor you over the coming years so that any issues can be caught as quickly as possible.
It’s also very important to let your GP know if you have any symptoms that could be related to asbestos conditions. These might include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath or pain in the chest.
When you see your doctor, you will need to provide him or her with information on when you were exposed, how long you spent in asbestos containing environments and what work you were doing.
You may be offered tests such as a chest xray which will give your medical team a much clearer idea of any current damage. In some cases, you may also be referred to a specialist who is trained to handle more serious conditions and provide you with the best care.
Again, it is essential that we reiterate that, while it is intimidating, getting checked out is the best way to maintain your health. There are some serious advances being made in medicine and more people are surviving cancer than ever before.
Also keep in mind that you are more likely to develop a condition after exposure to asbestos if you spent many years in that environment. Low level exposure is unlikely to cause any lasting or long term problems.
Related Article: What types Of Masks To Use For Asbestos
What To Do If You Think There Is Asbestos In Your Home
Many people enjoy a DIY project in the home and it’s often cheaper to do it yourself than hire a professional. However, many homes still have asbestos containing materials so if you think you have been exposed this way, you will need to take action.
Primarily, you’ll need to contact a professional asbestos removal service that will deal with the problem for you. It’s also a good idea to get in touch with your local council who will be able to offer advice from the environmental health department.
There is also a good degree of information on the gov.uk website for residents of england and Wales. People living in Scotland should access the Scotland Shelter website and for those in Northern Ireland, you’ll find all the information you need on the NI Direct website.
Conclusion
If you are worried that you have been exposed to asbestos, we understand that it can be a potentially terrifying matter. However, it is essential to act quickly and seek advice from the correct professionals.
Your GP will be able to check your health and discuss any symptoms you may have been experiencing. They’ll also be able to refer you for tests and monitor your health over the long term to make sure that any problems are quickly addressed.