Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

August 2016

Allergies or Asbestos Exposure? Let us Help!

By Asbestos Information, Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Millions of people suffer from allergies year round. The question is, is it from pollen, or is it from something more dangerous? Asbestos and mold in your home can cause the same symptoms as seasonal allergies. How do you find out the difference? Allergies are common, but asbestos exposure can be fatal. It is important to determine if you just have allergies and not something more severe.

Asbestos manifests in the lung areas. This alone is why it causes symptoms that are close to seasonal allergies. Some of the symptoms of asbestos are:

• Coughing

• Respiratory Problems

• Cracking or Cackling Sound when Breathing

• Trouble Swallowing

• Swelling of the Face and Neck

As you can see, many symptoms are like seasonal allergies. The top 5 symptoms mirror seasonal allergies. It is difficult to tell the difference when they act exactly the same. The only difference between asbestos exposure and allergies, is that allergies go away.  If your allergies last longer than a week, consult your physician. If they continue even after the seasons change, you should have your home checked for asbestos. Your home could have asbestos or even mold. If this is the case, the removal of the asbestos or mold will help your symptoms.

If you have any severe symptoms, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can run tests for other asbestos related illnesses, such as cancer. Below are more severe symptoms of asbestos exposure:

• Blood in Sputum

• Loss of Weight

• High Blood Pressure

• Fluid Buildup 

• Stomach Upset and Pain

If you are having any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. They will need to run tests and determine if asbestos is the cause. It is important to let them know you may have been exposed to asbestos. It is also important to have an asbestos abatement company check your home for asbestos. Time is of the essence.  You could have asbestosis or mesothelioma and the asbestos fibers could be affecting your entire family.

Buying a Home? Have an Asbestos Test Done

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Are you thinking of buying a home? Is it older? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you should look into having a home asbestos test done. Before purchasing a home, it is important to have different inspections completed. We all know to check the structure, for flooding, and other problems. However, no one thinks to check for asbestos. A small fiber could be hidden in plain sight and you would never know. It could be exposing you and your family for years before the symptoms start. It is important to protect your family and friends before it is too late.

Why have an Asbestos Test Completed on a Home before I buy?

This is an easy question to answer. Asbestos exposure can be deadly and should be removed before anyone can be exposed. Once you have been exposed, there is no way to remove the asbestos fibers from your body. A simple test can be done by a certified asbestos company, such as Asbestos Abatement Services. Certified asbestos contractor will check the home and determine if it does contain asbestos.

What do I do if it does have Asbestos?

This depends. If you have not purchased the home yet, you can discuss it with the owner of the home. The owner of the home will usually make a deal with you. They will either remove the asbestos or take the asbestos abatement price off of the homes selling price. Either way, you win. Your family will be safe from asbestos and you will never have to wonder if it is in your home.

Is it Really as Easy as a Test?

YES! A certified asbestos contractor will be able to perform the asbestos inspection and test on your home. You will know quickly if the home you are purchasing contains asbestos fibers or not. The asbestos contractor will come up with a plan on removal and have an estimate prepared for you. It really is that simple to protect your family from such a harmful fiber!

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

By Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Asbestos is a dangerous fiber. Everyone has heard how dangerous it can be, but do people realize that it causes serious illnesses, such as cancer and possibly death? The short answer is, NO. People think the media blows asbestos out of proportion. Asbestos Abatement is here to give you the information you deserve. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is known to be caused by asbestos. Below are the symptoms and types.

Sadly, many of the symptoms of mesothelioma are minor and are mistaken for allergies or other respiratory problems. Some of the symptoms are:

  • Dry Cough
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Fatigue
  • Pain in the Stomach or Chest
  • Swallowing Difficulties
  • Fluid Buildup 
  • Weight Loss 
  • Bowel Obstruction 

Mesothelioma has three different types. Each one affects a certain area of the body. Surgery, Chemotherapy, and radiation are the most common ways to treat mesothelioma. Some are used in conjunction with others through a specific treatment plan. The types of mesothelioma are as follows:

  • Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The second most common type of mesothelioma and it attacks the abdomen.

  • Pericardial Mesothelioma

The lining of the heart is affected by this type of mesothelioma. This type is the hardest to treat, as it is in such a sensitive area.

  • Pleural Mesothelioma

The lining of the lung is affected by pleural mesothelioma. This type is the most common.

Once you have been exposed to asbestos, it easily becomes trapped in the pleura of your abdomen and lungs. The fibers also affect the lining of the heart. Fluid buildup and scarring occurs as the asbestos fiber remain inside the body. The fibers attack your system and cause biological problems that end with cancer. If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Many people do not realize they have been in contact with asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma can be treated if caught early. The survival rates are low, but the odds are better if caught before it becomes too severe.