What to Do if Exposed to Asbestos
It’s a situation no one wants to find themselves in. Midway through a home renovation, pulling apart a wall when you come across material that looks suspiciously like asbestos. Your first instinct might be to continue—but pause. What happens next can significantly impact your health and the safety of those around you.
Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material, is now infamous for its deadly health risks. Found in many older buildings, this construction material becomes a severe threat when its fibres are disturbed. Exposure to these microscopic fibres can lead to life-threatening diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer. That’s why understanding what to do if you discover and are exposed to asbestos is so important.
Let’s dive into the steps you can take to protect yourself and others.
Understanding Asbestos Exposure
You’ve likely heard the word, “asbestos,” thrown around, especially in the media. But what actually is it? Why was it used in the first place? And why is it still dangerous today?
When asbestos was first introduced and widely used in Australia in the 1920s, the full extent of its health risks was unknown. What was known is that naturally occurring silicate minerals were considered ideal for construction due to their heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. As a result, Australia became one of the highest users of asbestos per capita in the world.
Then, around the mid-20th century, evidence of the health dangers posed by asbestos, including asbestosis and lung cancer, became increasingly clear. By 2003, the Australian Government issued a nationwide ban on asbestos and new regulations for construction, including protection during asbestos inspection. Despite this, asbestos remains present in many older buildings, posing a risk during renovations or demolitions.
When Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Coming across asbestos in its whole form will likely not do you any harm. If, however, the asbestos is disturbed, such as during demolition jobs, it can lead to severe health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
According to Cancer Australia, it’s estimated over 4000 Australians succumb to various asbestos-related diseases annually.
Immediate Steps After Asbestos Exposure
If you find yourself exposed and inhaling disturbed asbestos, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to minimise the effects.
Step 1. Act quickly and move away
Acting swiftly after asbestos exposure is of the utmost importance to minimise the risk of inhaling harmful fibres. Leave the contaminated area immediately to prevent further exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
Step 2. Change and dispose of contaminated clothing
Again, act fast here, and carefully remove clothing to avoid spreading fibres, and place it in a sealed bag for proper disposal.
Step 3. Wash exposed skin and hair thoroughly
Rinse your skin and hair with soap and water to remove any asbestos fibres that may have settled. If a shower is not close by, use whatever means you can, such as a hose.
Step 4. Avoid creating further contamination
Refrain from shaking clothing or disturbing the area in any further way. Doing so will only release more fibres into the air for potential inhalation.
Step 5. Practice preventative measures
From now on, remember the old adage, prevention is the best cure. If you are dealing with a site that hasn’t had an asbestos assessment carried out, wear a mask and clothing covering up your arms and legs. Proper asbestos abatement is essential to safely remove or contain asbestos materials, preventing the release of hazardous fibres into the air.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
As previously mentioned, inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases, and they can often develop years, even decades after exposure.
Asbestosis
A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, asbestosis leads to scarring of lung tissue and symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing.
Mesothelioma
A rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure and affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer develops when inhaled fibres also damage the lung tissue, leading to abnormal cell growth and symptoms like persistent coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulty.
Symptoms to watch for and their timelines
As mentioned, these diseases don’t always develop immediately. As such, early awareness is crucial if you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos, even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms.
What to look out for:
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
Regular health check-ups and monitoring can help detect asbestos-related conditions early. In doing so, you improve your chances of effective treatment.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to consult a doctor straight away for evaluation and early detection. It’s worth repeating – get a check-up even if you are not experiencing any symptoms yet.
Testing for Asbestos in Your Environment
Be safe and let the pros handle asbestos. If you suspect asbestos in your home or workplace, have a professional conduct testing to assess the risk and ensure safe handling for removal.
For safe, efficient and professional asbestos removal, contact a professional service, such as PD Envirotech, to properly manage and safely dispose of hazardous materials.
Asbestos Exposure Prevention and Safety Tips
There are several steps you can take to minimise future risks of asbestos exposure:
- Avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials.
- Ensure quality maintenance or removal by licensed professionals.
- When working with or around asbestos, always use appropriate protective gear.
- Follow safety guidelines and consult experts for handling and removal of asbestos.
The Role of Professional Inspections for Older Homes
If you find yourself buying or renovating an older home and suspect asbestos could have been used, the best thing you can do is invest in a professional inspection. These are crucial for identifying hidden asbestos and ensuring proper management and safe living environments.
Remove the Risk with P & D Envirotech
Ensuring your safety and health after asbestos exposure is paramount. Remember, act fast. Additionally, regular health check-ups can help detect potential issues early, which leads to better management. For reliable asbestos removal and risk management, reach out to the experts at P & D Envirotech to remove the threat and safeguard your environment.
