ASBESTOS EXPOSURE CONCERNS:
THE ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND, COMMUNICATE AND INTERPRET MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
1. Know your risk: Anyone who worked directly or in close proximity to others working with asbestos containing materials over a prolong period beginning before the 1980s are at high risk. Those with continuous, direct exposure such as construction/maintenance workers and skilled tradesmen – Insulators, Pipefitters, Plumbers, Millwrights, Electricians, Bricklayers, Laborers, Boilermakers, and Tool & Dye Workers, as well as, certain production workers are most at risk. Housewives and children in a home where asbestos contaminated clothing was laundered are also at risk consistent with their husband/father’s occupation.
2. Don’t smoke! Asbestos exposure and smoking combined can increase the risk of lung cancer 90 times.
3. Understanding of Asbestos Disease:
- Asbestosis (14+ years of prolonged exposure)
- Lung Cancer (7+ years of prolonged exposure/less time if intense exposure)
- GI Cancers (same as asbestosis)
- Mesothelioma (no safe level of exposure)
4. Need to communicate with your Primary Care Doctor: Tell him or her of your direct and prolonged exposure to asbestos. Conduct a risk assessment with your Doctor.
5. Medical Monitoring: Be proactive in working with your primary care doctor toward monitoring your health consistent with your assessed risk.
- Low Dose CT Scan
- Front and side chest x-rays
- If diagnosed with abnormalities associated with prior asbestos exposure such as, pleural thickening or pleural plaques, a more comprehensive evaluation should be performed. This evaluation should be conducted by a Pulmonary Specialist, experienced with asbestos disease. To identify any impairment of lung capacity, pulmonary function testing may be needed.
6. Early Detection is key: early detection can lead to more and better treatment options.
7. Legal Rights: Once diagnosed, you have a limited amount of time to act upon your rights. Otherwise, you could lose your right to pursue court litigation and/or file claims against asbestos bankruptcy trusts. Each individual’s case should be treated uniquely. Make sure you choose an Attorney you are comfortable with and who cares. Russell R Beaudoen is committed to being that for you.
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