I Was Exposed to Asbestos, What Should I Do Now?
Asbestos exposure is very dangerous, claiming the lives of 10,000 Americans every year. If you were exposed to asbestos in the past or recently, take proper precautions to watch for developing symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a material used as a fire retardant in a variety of products like roofing shingles, floor tiles, ceilings, cement compounds and automotive parts. Industrial mining of asbestos began in the late 1800s, and the material soared in use during World War II in a variety of military products.
By the 1970s, it was clear asbestos had dangerous health effects, at which point hundreds of thousands of people were already exposed to it. The use of asbestos declined sharply after the late 1970s, however, 30 million pounds of the product are still used each year in the United States.
When asbestos is disturbed, tiny particles are released into the air. When inhaled, the tiny fibers can become trapped in the lungs and stay there for years causing mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other lung problems like asbestosis.
Are You Showing Symptoms?
If you are showing symptoms of an asbestos-related disease, go to an asbestos specialist immediately. If there isn’t an asbestos specialist in your area, see a thoracic oncologist, which is a doctor that specializes in cancers of the chest.
Symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Dry cough or wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Respiratory complications
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Fever
- Pleural effusions
- Anemia
- Muscle weakness
If you don’t show symptoms of an asbestos-related disease, but have been exposed to asbestos, be sure to schedule regular checkups with your physician and always discuss your exposure and any tests that might be needed for diseases. Keep note if you start to develop any of the above symptoms, and schedule an appointment with your doctor if you exhibit any of them.
Little Rock Asbestos Attorney
Asbestos claims now number in the millions and class action lawsuits have been surfacing since the 1960s. If you live in Arkansas and have been exposed to asbestos, contact a Little Rock Asbestos Attorney to understand your legal rights in an asbestos claim.
