What should i do if exposed to asbestos

So, if you're concerned about the effects of repeated exposure to asbestos, check in with your doctor. Early symptoms that something might be wrong would be a chronic cough or shortness of breath that gets worse with time, Dr.

If your doctor suspects that you have asbestosis or another lung problem created by asbestos, they'll likely give you a CT scan of your chest or a chest X-ray to see what's going on in your lungs, the Mayo Clinic says. Your doctor may also give you a pulmonary function test, which involves blowing as hard as you can into a machine called a spirometer, to measure how much air your lungs can hold and the airflow in and out of your lungs, the organization says.

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

But does that mean a one-time exposure is worrying? Probably not. If you find out that your office or home has asbestos, don't panic. If you happen to be around asbestos at any point, there are a few steps you can take to lower your risk of having health issues.

Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach. She received a double B. Korin has been published in Read more. Topics lung cancer asthma respiratory health news. When the dust is breathed in, the asbestos fibres enter the lungs and can gradually damage them over time. But you would need long-term exposure to asbestos fibres, usually over many years, before you develop asbestosis.

You may have been exposed to asbestos if you worked in an industry such as building or construction, particularly from the s to the s. Examples include:.

Breathing in asbestos fibres over many years eventually causes scarring of the lungs. Symptoms include:. You should see a GP if you have symptoms of asbestosis and think you may have been exposed to asbestos.

There's no cure for asbestosis once it has developed, as it's not possible to reverse the damage to the lungs. Find out about industrial injuries disablement benefit on GOV. Asbestosis or fibrosis scarring of the lungs.

Non-malignant pleural disease diffuse pleural thickening and pleural plaques. A persistent cough. Chest pain. Difficulty swallowing. Swelling of the neck or face. Weight and appetite loss. If you are concerned about a recent exposure to asbestos, you should: Report the asbestos exposure to your employer , including information on the date of exposure, duration of exposure and type of asbestos if known.

If you are self-employed or are carrying out work at home, make a note of these details for future reference. Consult your GP as soon as possible and report any ill-health symptoms. You should also pass on information about the date, duration and type of asbestos, and ask for them to make a record of the potential asbestos exposure. Your GP may refer you to a specialist if necessary. If you have one, contact your trade union for further advice. You can also find out more about asbestos exposure on the Health and Safety Executive HSE website: I may have inadvertently been exposed to asbestos, what should I do?

Responsibilities of Employers and Landowners Employers have a legal duty to protect their employees and others who may be affected by exposure to hazardous substances. Specific responsibilities under the Control of Asbestos Regulations include: Preventing exposure to the fibre or, where not possible, making sure it is kept as low as reasonably practicable.

Keeping exposure below a certain control limit. Presuming that all materials contain asbestos, unless there is evidence to the contrary. Keeping an up-to-date written record of the location and condition of any asbestos materials or presumed asbestos-containing materials. Ensuring written records are sufficient to allow another person to identify the material. Assessing the risk of anyone being exposed to fibres from these materials.

A HSE asbestos licence is required if you do high-risk work with asbestos. This includes: If your work requires working with ACMs for a long duration.