Asbestos exposure is something no-one wants to be confronted with. It has been known to cause all kinds of medical issues, including diseases like cancer. Here in the United States, it is still being used as long as it accounts for only 1% of the makeup of a particular product. This means it is found in a wide array of items. While that 1% may not be too alarming, it is the exposure to large amounts and over a prolonged period of time that can be very dangerous.
So, what happens if you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the workplace? What are the steps you need to take to ensure your health, safety, and well-being? Here are the basics steps you can take.
What is the Duration of Your Exposure?
The first thing to determine is the duration of your exposure. If you were exposed to asbestos one time for a very short period of time, chances are it won’t lead to any issues. However, a number of short exposures will start to accumulate and can cause problems. The longer and the more often you are exposed to asbestos, the more dangerous it becomes.
Did You Swallow or Inhale the Asbestos Dust?
The next question to ask yourself is whether or not you swallowed or inhaled the asbestos dust – this is toxic and will cause serious health issues. It’s once the asbestos becomes agitated or disturbed, causing dust and particles to kick up, that you need to worry.
Visit Your Doctor
It’s also a good idea to visit your doctor after you have been exposed. They won’t likely be able to see any sort of asbestos in your body, or your lungs, right after it occurs. Typically, the results of asbestos exposure take years to develop and show up on x-rays.
At the very least, your doctor can speak to you about your specific exposure, go over the health risks, and schedule a variety of tests if deemed necessary. The results of those tests will then help to determine your diagnosis in the moment, and what to expect in the future health-wise.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
For those who have not only been exposed to asbestos in the workplace, but who are now displaying medical issues because of that exposure, you will want to hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to spend some time checking out sites like mottazsiskinjurylaw.com to get an idea of how a lawyer can help. You may be entitled to compensation of some kind, including that which would be offered through worker’s compensation. A lawyer will not only discuss your options with you, but also go over what you could expect from filing a claim.
Taking Exposure Seriously
It’s important to take potential exposure to asbestos extremely seriously. This highly toxic material is nothing to take chances with, and every possible precaution should be used to protect yourself in the workplace should asbestos be a concern.
