The reality of asbestos exposure is truly terrifying - millions of Australians have been exposed to asbestos because it is all around us. The deadly fireproof material is found in low density fibre boards, roofs, ceilings, concrete, water pipes, auto parts and even old stereo speakers.
This is so dangerous because all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic, meaning that they cause cancer; this is according to World Health Organisation (WHO) reports. WHO estimates that half the deaths from occupation-related cancer in the world are caused by asbestos.
Asbestos is so dangerous that it is now illegal to import it into Australia or sell it in this country. Unfortunately, vast amounts of asbestos were shipped into Australia, or mined here, and widely used in construction and manufacturing before the ban. Almost every structure built between World War II and the 1980s contained at least some asbestos.
Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?
Hover over the dots below to reveal the most common symptoms of asbestos exposure.
What to do after you’ve been exposed to asbestos
If you think you, or a loved one, has been exposed to asbestos there are several steps you need to take to deal with the situation.
1. Seek Medical Help Immediately
If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should consult a doctor right away, specifically an asbestos-related disease specialist or at the very least a thoracic oncologist.
Luckily, Medicare will cover treatment of asbestos-related problems. There is also compensation available for persons diagnosed with asbestos-related ailments.
2. Quarantine the Environment
The next most important step to take if you are exposed to asbestos is to eliminate your exposure to the carcinogen. This means sealing up, or staying away from, the environment you suspect is laden with the carcinogen.
3. Call a Professional Asbestos Removalist Company
The third step is to call a company that has experience in professionally removing asbestos from contaminated environments. Asbestos removal companies have experts on staff that will inspect your home, rental or business for asbestos.
If it is present they can remove it safely before the exposure leads to serious health problems.
4. Quit Smoking
A less obvious step you can take to fight asbestos is to quit smoking. WHO found that tobacco smoke substantially increases the risk of lung cancer in those who have been exposed to asbestos. Many of those who died from Mesothelioma also smoked cigarettes while they were working or living with asbestos.
5. Eat Less Red Meat
Another less obvious step is to clean up your diet by reducing the amount of red meat that you consume. Believe it or not, diets that are high in red meat may make you more vulnerable to lung-related cancers. Try this - replace red meat with anti-cancer foods such as berries, garlic, broccoli and soy protein.
Take Action Now!
The best way to avoid asbestos exposure is to call the experts at Asbestos Removals Australia at 0406 426 144. One phone call might help you and your loved ones avoid serious health problems in the future.
It’s not worth taking the risk with asbestos, have the professionals inspect the building before you start work or move back in.
Today many Australians are living in homes and working in businesses where asbestos is present. From an occupational standpoint, those who work in trades including construction, carpentry, plumbing and electrical engineering are in high-risk environments.
More on the Danger from Asbestos Exposure
The most common form of asbestos-related cancer is mesothelioma, which is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres. Around 641 Australians died from mesothelioma in 2014 according to the Australian Mesothelioma registry, and around 10,000 Australians have been diagnosed with mesothelioma since the 1980s.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma is just one of several kinds of cancer caused by asbestos. Other kinds of lung cancer, larynx cancer and ovary cancer are also caused by the fibres. Another serious problem caused by it is asbestosis, the destruction of the lungs by asbestos fibres.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure
Most disturbingly, it is possible to be exposed to asbestos without even working with it, or even being in a building that contains it. Doctors think that some people contracted asbestosis and mesothelioma from asbestos dust on somebody else’s clothing.
This means if you had a relative who worked with asbestos back in the 1950s or 1960s, you might have been exposed. Tragically, many children were exposed to asbestos through their dad’s work clothes.
The Danger from Remodelling
If you are planning to remodel any home or business built before 1990 you should have it inspected for asbestos before you do any form of work. Even simple repairs like pounding nails or ripping out an old fibre board can expose you to asbestos.
The best way to avoid asbestos exposure is to call the experts at Asbestos Removals Australia at 0406 426 144. We are available across Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast. One phone call might help you and your loved ones avoid serious health problems in the future.