For several years, builders, contractors, and manufacturers used asbestos for insulation and roofing before research proved it was dangerous. Due to its toxic properties, it causes fatal diseases like mesothelioma, ovarian and kidney cancer, and other non-cancerous ailments.
Despite the ban, asbestos is present in old homes and products, creating health risks for people. To protect your health, you must seek timely help if you’ve had contact with it. Read on to discover what you can do after prolonged asbestos exposure.
Avoid the Environment or Product
You may come into contact with asbestos through old products or aged buildings, such as houses and offices. To prevent further damage, you must discard the source of exposure if it’s a product. However, if it's a building, like your home, the best thing to do is to temporarily move away. It’s dangerous to remove asbestos yourself, as you may inhale more of its fibres during the process.
Document the Exposure
After contact with the substance, you must recollect the length of time during which you were around it. You can note how long you’ve lived in the house, how frequently you visit the building, and the amount of time you spend, or how often you use the contaminated product.
You can also take pictures of the product or building, and if it’s an office, write down the company’s details. These records can help doctors determine the severity of its impact and may also come in handy if you need to seek compensation.
See a Healthcare Professional
Don’t wait till you get sick to go to the hospital. Book a medical appointment and use your records to explain to the doctor so they can carry out the necessary health checks. The result of your assessment and scans will serve as a baseline for comparing future tests.
Even if there is no fatal diagnosis, doctors will record the exposure in your medical history to guide future care. If you’re already affected by a condition, your doctors will advise on the best treatment approach.
Monitor Your Health Over Time
Most asbestos-related diseases develop slowly over time, so you may not experience any symptoms immediately. You need to monitor your health and note changes, however minor they may be.
With the introduction of technology in healthcare, wearable digital devices and health apps are now accessible. You can use them to monitor your vitals and log any changes you note before informing your doctor. They can also help you monitor your medication schedule if you’ve commenced treatment.
Explore Support Options
Asbestos-related conditions are mostly fatal and often incurable. Besides the physical pain, you’ll also experience mental and emotional anguish. Hence, you’ll need various forms of support to manage the condition.
Some organizations like Mesothelioma Hope offer advocacy, medical, and financial support for those suffering from diseases caused by asbestos exposure. They also provide resources and guides to help victims understand their condition and adapt without much stress.
Endnote
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos for some time, limit contact with the source, document the exposure, and seek medical attention. Look out for symptoms to aid timely diagnosis, then contact a support organisation for help and guidance.
