Asbestos was once hailed as a miracle material. It was widely used in various industries including construction, consumer electronics, and automotive for properties like fire-resistant, chemical-resistant, abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, high tensile strength, high flexibility, ductility, and more. Unfortunately, one discovery proved it to be “too good to be true”. It was discovered that asbestos exhales tiny microscopic fibers in the air which if inhaled by humans can enter and get trapped inside lungs causing scarring, inflammation, and a lung cancer called mesothelioma.
This discovery led to asbestos being banned. However, despite bans and regulations in many countries, it is still present in many older buildings, ships, and equipment.
If you suspect you've come into contact with asbestos, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Here's a guide on what you should do if you touch asbestos or suspect you’ve been exposed.
1. Remain Calm and Avoid Disturbing the Material
If you've touched asbestos or otherwise come into contact with material/object that may contain asbestos, the first thing to do is not panic. The danger from asbestos lies in its fibers becoming airborne. As long as you've only touched but not disturbed asbestos, and it's in one piece, the risk of exposure is pretty minimal. Do not disturb it any further. Do not rub your hands or blow on the material.
2. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
You should immediately clean any skin that has had contact with suspected asbestos material and your hands with soap and water. Be careful not to agitate the dust to allow any fibers to become airborne. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and may be taken onto your hands, clothing, and skin. Wash for at least 20 seconds, paying special attention to the fingernails, wrists, and under the nails, where fibers tend to accumulate.
3. Remove and Clean Contaminated Clothing
If you have been exposed to asbestos-contaminated material, then change your clothes immediately. Put the contaminated clothes into a sealed plastic bag and do not shake the clothes as such action may release the asbestos fibers into the air. If at home wash the clothes separately from other laundry in hot water and using detergent. Wear gloves while handling clothes exposed to asbestos to avoid any exposure.
4. Do Not Vacuum or Sweep the Area
If the area contains asbestos fibers, never begin to clean it with a vacuum or a broom. Traditional house vacuums stir up the fibers and spread them into the air, increasing the potential of inhaling them. Contact a professional asbestos removal company for cleanup and disposal.
5. Monitor for Symptoms
While one-time exposure to asbestos may not cause severe health problems immediately, asbestos on the whole can cause serious health conditions if exposed over a long period of time. Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases will not occur for decades after exposure. However, if you do suspect asbestos exposure, monitor your health for signs and symptoms such as:-
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling in the neck or face
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
7. Consider Professional Asbestos Testing and Removal
If you discover or disrupt a material that you suspect is potentially asbestos-containing, it must be tested professionally. Materials containing asbestos cannot be disturbed except by licensed asbestos abatement trainees. Professional sampling involves collecting samples of the materials analyzed in a laboratory.
If you can confirm that the material contains asbestos, then avoid any contact with the material and seek a licensed asbestos removal service to remove and dispose of the asbestos in a safe manner.
The best thing to do in such a situation would be to contact RidAway. It's an expert when it comes to dealing with asbestos. It is EPA-approved, state-licensed, and industry-certified and guarantees 100% asbestos removal.
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