Am I At Risk For Mesothelioma If I Was Only Exposed To Asbestos For A Short Time?

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Short-term asbestos exposure may be hazardous for people in New Orleans, especially if the level of exposure is high. People who worked in a high-exposure field for a part of their career may be at risk for asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma, especially if they have lifestyle risks like smoking in addition to asbestos exposure.

Experts have concerns about asbestos exposure for those who worked to rebuild the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. People who took jobs in demolition and cleanup, even if the work only lasted a short time, may have come into contact with airborne asbestos fibers regularly for the duration of the work.

Unfortunately, we are unlikely to know the full scope of this exposure for many years, but it’s important that people who pitched in to help in the storm’s aftermath pay attention to potential symptoms of asbestos-related illness.

Because these symptoms can be vague, be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience ongoing pain in your lower back or the side of your chest, coughing or shortness of breath, excessive sweating, fever with no indication of infection, or are diagnosed with fluid around your lungs.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, so many people are in an advanced state before the disease is found. Early diagnosis is the best way to have options in your fight against mesothelioma.

Asbestos-related cancers develop over decades, not years, which is why it’s important that your doctor knows your history of occupational or other exposure to asbestos, even if the exposure was short term.

Can Short-Term Asbestos Exposure In New Orleans Cause Mesothelioma Later In Life?