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An exposure to asbestos can be a serious and sometimes fatal accident. Many victims do not know when or how long they were exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can happen at home, work, or even visiting family and friends. A Washington, D.C. asbestos lawyer can help you if you have been a victim of asbestos exposure.
Where you can be in Contact with Asbestos
Asbestos can be found in the home. Some of the key places it can be found include attic insulation, floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, and drywalls. Asbestos can be found in a number of work industries. At construction sites, workers may be exposed to it from roofing materials, bricks and piping. An experienced Washington, D.C. Mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in identifying where asbestos can be found. Other common occupations asbestos can be found include:
- Automobile Manufacturing – brake and clutch components
- Electrical Workers – electricians and electrical linemen
- Shipyard Workers – Personnel from the Coast Guard and Navy, fishermen, and longshoremen
- Railroad Workers – sheet metal and refinery personnel, warehouse employees, and people who is in contact with rubber products
What can happen if exposed?
The greater a person is exposed to asbestos, the greater the chance the person can develop harmful health effects. Generally, there are three health effects associated with asbestos. A Washington, D.C. Mesothelioma lawyer can assist you further with identifying what these health effects can do to your body. Here are the three major health effects that may occur with exposure to asbestos:
- Asbestosis – A serious long-term disease that attacks the lungs and caused by inhaling fibers that irritate and cause the lung tissues to scar
- Lung Cancer – This accounts for the largest number of deaths for victims of asbestos exposure.
- Mesothelioma – A rare form of cancer found in the lining of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart that may not be found until many years after a person is exposed to asbestos.
How to Prevent Asbestos Exposure
There are a number of ways an individual can prevent asbestos exposure. For occupations where asbestos is used, you should wear a fitted HEPA filtered respirator. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) usually certify these masks safe. It also helps to wet the asbestos when in contact around it. This can help in reducing fibers floating throughout the air.
Individuals who are at home can also prevent exposure to asbestos. It is best to leave the area immediately and contact a local professional asbestos inspector to test the area. These professional will know what proper procedure is needed to keep you safe from harmful asbestos exposure. You should contact a Washington, D.C. asbestos lawyer if you suspect you are a victim of asbestos exposure.