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November 2020

Doctor consulting with patient through tablet

Asbestos Exposure Signs and Symptoms

By Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

We see mesothelioma all over the news and media, but we never hear of other illnesses that stem from asbestos exposure. What are the signs and symptoms of asbestos exposure? No one ever discusses what you should be looking for, and when to see a doctor. Below, Asbestos Abatement Services will discuss several signs and symptoms of asbestos exposure and what you should do!

Asbestos Exposure causes inflammation of the lungs and respiratory systems. Unfortunately, these symptoms take years and sometimes decades to show up. An extended period of time generally goes between being exposed to asbestos and having symptoms from asbestos. That is what makes asbestos exposure so deadly. You cannot see it and will not know if you have been exposed or not. However, you can look for symptoms and let your doctor know.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is one of the main symptoms that stem from asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are ingested through the nose or mouth, where it enters your lungs. These asbestos fibers will slowly begin to scar your lung tissue, which in turn makes it harder to breathe. If you notice shortness of breath, it is crucial that you see your doctor as soon as possible.

Fatigue

Fatigue can be the cause of many different illnesses, but it is also a symptom of asbestos exposure, especially for illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you have no known reason for fatigue, see your doctor for a check-up!

Swollen Fingertips

Swollen fingertips or cubbing of the fingers appear in about half of asbestosis cases. Asbestosis is a manageable disease that only occurs from asbestos exposure. If you have swollen fingertips, see your doctor as it may be from an asbestos-related illness.

Wheezing and Dry Cough

Wheezing and coughing are both signs of a respiratory illness. If you have one or both, you should see your doctor, especially if you may have been exposed to asbestos. Wheezing and a dry cough starts when scar tissue forms from the asbestos fibers in your lungs.

Christmas tree and decorations

Holiday Decorations and Asbestos Dangers

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Winter weather is here, and with the colder weather comes several holidays. Holidays are usually spent with family and friends, and many people decorate their homes for all of the different holidays. Some buy new decorations yearly, while others may use decorations that were handed down from their family. Holiday decorations make your home unique, and it is a fun way to show your personality, but some decorations could contain asbestos, especially if they are older or imported. Below, we will discuss a few types of holiday decorations that could have asbestos-containing materials.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the main types of decorations that are known to contain asbestos. The main reason is because of the heat, the lighting emits. Asbestos is very heat resistant, and it was perfect for strings of lighting. If your strands of lighting are older, replace it as it could contain asbestos or even be a fire hazard.

Trees

Older artificial trees may contain asbestos. Asbestos is strong and resistant to heat, making it perfect for artificial trees. If your tree is older or has begun to become worn, replace it with a newer version or purchase a live tree!

Outdoor Decorations

A lot of older outdoor decorations have been found to contain asbestos, especially if they include lighting. If your older decorations are breaking or have become damaged, throw them away. While it may be hard to get rid of older decorations that have been in your family for decades, it may be a smart choice for you and your family.

As you can see, several different types of holiday decorations could contain asbestos. Asbestos was used in a lot of materials for decades and holiday decorations were one of the areas it was used. If you do have some older decorations, it is time to upgrade. You never want to put your family at risk for asbestos exposure.

Icicles on a roof

Asbestos Removal Is Still Possible During The Winter Months

By Asbestos Information, Service InformationNo Comments

Winter weather can hinder a lot of plans, but asbestos abatement is not one of them. While it may be easier to remove asbestos at other times of the year, Winter asbestos removal is standard. Asbestos exposure is a real danger and is not something that should be put off for the seasons to change. If your home or business has asbestos, act fast.

How Do I Know If I Have Asbestos On My Property?

Asbestos-containing materials are still found in older homes, even after remodels. Some newer properties are also being tested and found to have asbestos. If your property has never been tested for asbestos, now is the time. Asbestos testing is the only real way to know if you have asbestos-containing materials.

What is an Asbestos Test?

Asbestos abatement professionals administer an asbestos test. The test consists of samples taken from your property and sent to a lab for further readings. These tests are incredibly accurate and the only true way to know if there is asbestos on your property.

Should I Have a Test Completed?

The answer is always YES! Asbestos testing is a simple way to know if your home or business contains asbestos. If the property does have asbestos, it is crucial that you have it removed as soon as possible. Winter weather and asbestos removal can be completed and is done daily in the United States. Be safe and have the asbestos removed sooner rather than later!

While Winter weather can make asbestos removal a bit more difficult for everyone involved, it is never something you want to wait to have removed. Asbestos caused cancer and other very serious illnesses. Asbestos exposure can happen in your own home or property, which is the one place where you should feel safe. Let us help!

Dumpster and construction materials at building site

Asbestos and High-Risk Jobs That Can Lead To Exposure

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos exposure is a genuine problem that is just now gaining traction. Asbestos exposure caused devastating illnesses like cancer, which can lead to death. Asbestos exposure and the illnesses that occur from the exposure has been around for centuries, but it is not until the last few decades that laws and regulations were put in place to protect people while at their jobs. Below we will discuss some of the higher risk jobs, and the results might surprise you.

While some jobs have higher exposure rates, many common job sites have been found to have asbestos and cause exposure. You may be shocked to learn some professions that could be at risk.

Shipyard/Ship Workers

Ships contained a lot of asbestos. Shipyard workers were at a very high risk of asbestos exposure. Ship workers, including the military, were also at significant risk for exposure, as they worked on ships for extended periods of time. Asbestos is no longer allowed in ships’ construction, but many older ships still have asbestos, making exposure high.

Miners

Asbestos is a naturally growing fiber that is located in many areas where miners work. Unfortunately, even with protection, miners are at a higher risk for asbestos exposure.

Boilermakers

Asbestos is a heat resistant fiber. This made it great for boilers and any areas exposed to heat for extended periods. Boilermakers were highly exposed to asbestos, and many still are.

Hospital and School Staff

Surprisingly, hospital and school staff are at risk of asbestos exposure. Many older buildings still contain asbestos. These buildings are often home to hospitals and schools. While there are plans in place to protect workers, the possibility is still there.

Construction Workers

Asbestos was used in a lot of construction materials. While asbestos is no longer used in most construction materials, the risk is still there for construction workers. Asbestos-containing materials are still being found in buildings throughout the U.S.