Exposure to Asbestos in Portland

A long exposure to asbestos can lead to many different diseases, including mesothelioma. Interestingly, this exposure often occurs in workplaces, military and even some homes at times. But how does it happen?
Asbestos exposure occurs when airborne fibers are either inhaled or ingested, leading to cancer, and different other kinds of diseases.
Unfortunately, asbestos is found in many commercial, industrial and domestic products. And many people inhale the fibers due to their occupation.
People working in factories, construction and shipyards have more chances of exposure to asbestos than other jobs. In addition, a few years ago, US veterans were also once quite vulnerable because of the military’s excessive use of asbestos on their Navy ships.

What’s more, both commercial and home renovations are hazardous because there are many old buildings that have components made of asbestos. So, when these components start to break or deteriorate, the fibers enter the air, and eventually affect the people living or working in that property.

Places in Portland Where Asbestos Exposure Occur the Most

Other than workplaces, asbestos exposure can also happen indirectly. Imagine you work in a place and inhale asbestos on a daily basis. In that case, you can expose your family to this deadly mineral. Here is a summary of sources that can expose you to asbestos:

  • If you live near a contaminated site or a place with asbestos deposits, you might inhale the airborne fibers.
  • Disturbing or using asbestos products also allows the mineral to get into your system.
  • If you work in occupations such as the military, you might be exposed to products containing asbestos.
  • Some natural or manmade disasters often lead to asbestos exposure.

Unfortunately, the prime reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Since there is no safe exposure amount, you should consult your doctor as soon as the first symptoms start to appear.

Unfortunately, even a one-time exposure can lead to asbestos-related diseases, so meeting a specialist should be prioritised as soon as possible.

In addition, if you have many years of exposure to asbestos and now your body is showing signs of any related disease, you might request help from Beaver State Mesothelioma Lawyer of Portland, and file a claim for any compensation.

How to Reduce Asbestos Exposure in Portland

If you are working in a workplace dealing with asbestos materials, there are a few preventive measures that you should take to reduce your exposure. This also includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to save you from any airborne asbestos fibers.

You can get this equipment from a safety equipment shop. There is a range of things that come under the category of equipment, for instance:

  • Half-face respirator
  • Hand and face wipes
  • Gumboots or boot covers
  • Disposable coveralls

Wearing Proper Respirators

You might find basic dust masks affordable, but they don’t provide any protection against asbestos fibers. So, in that case, you will have to buy a respirator with high-standard filter cartridges, specifically P1 or P2. You can also get your hands on P1 or P2 disposable masks designed to deal with dust and asbestos fibers.

Ensure that the respirator has an airtight fit. In addition, you can read through the manual instructions on how to wear the mask properly.

Disposable Clothing

It is imperative to wear disposable clothing and save your boots and clothing from any sort of contamination. Other than an overall, you should also wear a disposable hat with gloves for added protection.

After you are done with your work, avoid keeping or reusing your clothes. Moreover, avoid shaking your clothes for any dust particles.

Instead, use water to spray on your clothes. While doing so, make sure to keep your respirator on. Now take your asbestos waste bag and seal all these products in it.

Eyewear

It is imperative to also protect your eyes from asbestos particles or any flying debris. An eyewear is a crucial accessory when using wire brushes. Moreover, many experts also recommend this equipment when removing floor tiles.

Rubber Boots and Gloves

Most workers wear rubber boots to keep their feet safe from sharp objects. Moreover, they also protect the coverall’s feet so they do not wear off easily.

If you are working with asbestos products, you really should remove your boots after work and clean them with water before using them again.

Gloves also help protect your hands against asbestos exposure and also save them from sharp objects. However, make sure to dispose of your gloves as soon as you finish your work.

Take a Shower

After you are done with removing and disposing of your clothing, simply take a shower to remove any asbestos particles that might be present on your body. Ensure to give your hair a good wash as well.

Get in Touch With Us

We want to hear from you about your Mesothelioma concerns. No case in Portland is too big or too small for our experienced team!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Dealing With Asbestos

The Portland Mesothelioma Lawyer Experts

Here is a list of things that you should or shouldn’t do with your encounter with asbestos products:

Do’s

  • Do work in a ventilated area while working when handling products containing asbestos. You can keep the external door and windows open at all times.
  • Try using non powered tools as they release less dust particles in the air.
  • Minimize the breaking or cutting of asbestos products.
  • Make sure to thoroughly clean your nails and hands during work to reduce your exposure to asbestos.
  • If you are getting some work done in your home, keep your children and pets away from the area under work.
  • Clean the area and tools as soon as the work ends.
  • Ensure to wear your respirator while cleaning the area under construction.

Dont’s

  • If you have water jets at work, don’t use them to release high water pressure and spread the loose fibers and dust particles.
  • Don’t work with asbestos products outdoors during a windy day.
  • Avoid removing any material from the affected area until you have cleaned every product using the method above.
  • Don’t keep any personal protective equipment with you.
  • Avoid recycling or reusing asbestos waste.
  • Don’t dump any asbestos-related waste illegally.