Lowering Your Risk for Mesothelioma

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Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer that is developed when a tumor forms in the linings of your lungs, or sometimes your heart or abdomen. Its primary cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that is often found in building, insulation, electricity generation, and other construction materials. Over time when the physical structures naturally depreciate and get worn down, or are demolished for renovation or reconstruction, asbestos fibers are released into the air. Upon inhalation, the fibers are then absorbed and lodged in the lungs and other places they’re not supposed to be.

The use of asbestos was more prominent in the 1980s and earlier. Therefore, if you are living or working in a structure that was built after that era, then you are considerably safe. However, if your house or place of work dates back to that year or earlier, you might be at risk for asbestos exposure.

Additionally, if you or a family member are working in heavy industries such as mining, construction, fire-fighting, shipbuilding, or military service, you may be more heavily exposed to asbestos compared to if you were working in another industry. Take the necessary precautions in order to protect yourself and your family.

Here are some ways to lower your risk for mesothelioma, which is almost always caused by asbestos exposure:

1. Wear personal protective equipment

If you are working in an industry with risk of exposure to asbestos, make sure that you are properly geared up with eye, face, nose, and body protection. It is important that you don’t inhale the asbestos fibers so that they don’t get trapped in your lungs and other parts of your body, and form a tumor.

2. Dispose of your clothing and footwork or have a change of clothes immediately after exposure

Asbestos fibers may cling onto your clothes and shoes, and you may risk contamination when you go home to your loved ones. There are family members who have been casualties of second-hand exposure to asbestos, so don’t take this for granted. Dispose of clothing you’ve used if you fear you have been exposed to asbestos.

3. Contact professionals if you feel there has been damage to your home

Do not attempt to repair damaged parts of your ceiling, wall, or flooring, especially if it was built in the 1980s or earlier, which means it will most likely have asbestos in it. Call an expert to fix the damage for you, as they will have the necessary equipment and protective clothing and gear to handle the matter properly.

4. Get proper counsel on mesothelioma

If you fear that you or any family member has been victim to irresponsible asbestos exposure in the workplace, you can talk to mesothelioma attorneys such as the ones in Bergman Legal to help you with your situation. You will be able to know your rights, how you can fight, and all your claims on the matter in case you need to file any. This is a good way to arm yourself with the proper knowledge on how these situations are also handled legally.

You can resort to getting legal counsel if there has already been exposure early on. For everything else, work on preventive measures to avoid the disease, and protect yourself and your family from asbestos exposure as much as you can, in order to avert its complications.