Anxious About a Suspected Asbestos Exposure From Years Ago? Here’s What To Do
Knowing how many illnesses can be associated with asbestos exposure, it’s only natural to be anxious if you believe you were exposed to asbestos many years ago. Related diseases like cancer can take decades to appear, and it can be a waiting game for many people to find out whether their one-time or ongoing exposure will result in an illness.
However, you have more control over the situation than you think. Be proactive in your approach to asbestos exposure by doing some of the following things.
Talk to Your Doctor
A trip to a medical professional can be at the top of your to-do list when you suspect asbestos exposure years before. Once you explain your situation and exposure event to your GP, you can find out what your options are and possibly even have your fears alleviated.
Doctors can help determine your risk of an asbestos-related disease and even create a note in your file to be on the lookout for any symptoms that may arise in the years to come.
Monitor for Symptoms
The timeline for symptoms to appear after an exposure event can be wide-ranging. However, most people who have spent a great deal of time around asbestos and later develop illnesses typically notice symptoms within 10 to 40 years after the exposure event.
Symptoms can be as wide-ranging as the timeline since they depend on which type of illness you develop. However, among the most common are:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
A chronic cough
Pain with breathing
Fatigue
If you notice any of these symptoms or others that you can’t attribute to any other illness, consult your GP without delay. Your doctor can then organise a series of diagnostic tests, such as chest x-rays, CT scans, and lung tests, to determine what’s causing your symptoms.
Talk to Legal Professionals
New Zealand doesn’t have the same number of legal avenues to explore to learn more about your rights after an exposure event. However, if your exposure to asbestos is causing you to experience sleepless nights, finding out what your rights could be in the event of an illness might give you much-needed peace of mind.
ACC provides coverage for work-related and sometimes non-work-related asbestos illnesses, and finding out more about the support and assistance available might mean you’re prepared for whatever is thrown your way in the future.
Will I Get Sick After Suspected Asbestos Exposure?
Knowing that asbestos is a hazardous substance that kills tens of thousands of people each year, you might be fearful that however much asbestos exposure you had is enough to cause an illness later in life.
While there is no ‘safe’ exposure limit, science does point towards long-term exposure and other risk factors like smoking putting you more at risk of an illness than a one-time exposure event. Most people who develop a related disease have had occupational exposure, such as plumbers and electricians who may have been regularly exposed to friable asbestos in their line of work.
As a result, the chances of developing cancer, asbestosis, or other related conditions are reasonably low for a one-time exposure event.
Who’s Most At Risk of Developing Asbestos Illnesses?
As previously mentioned, some people are more at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses than others. The average homeowner who accidentally lifted damaged asbestos vinyl without adequate PPE will be less likely than a construction worker, industrial worker, shipyard worker, plumber, or electrician, who regularly handled friable asbestos materials.
However, that’s not to say that a decreased risk means no risk. It’s still crucial to manage your safety around asbestos, bring in trained experts for its removal, and wear adequate PPE when in an area where friable asbestos is present.
What to Do When You Find Asbestos
Now that you’re aware of the risks associated with asbestos, you might wonder what you need to do if you find asbestos in your home. Often, homeowners encounter asbestos-containing materials when undertaking renovations, which can throw a spanner in the works for many eager DIYers.
The first step is to undertake asbestos testing to determine where in your home asbestos can be found. From that point, you can make informed decisions about its presence in your home, such as encapsulation or removal, depending on its location.
While non-friable asbestos under 10m2 can be taken care of by a competent homeowner, friable asbestos should only be removed by a WorkSafe New Zealand licensed asbestos removalist.
Take Care of Asbestos In Your Home Today
Asbestos continues to be a challenge for many New Zealanders, and it will likely rear its head for many decades to come. Fortunately, you can take care of your health and your home by relying on asbestos removal teams like Chemcare to assist with your asbestos needs.