What to do if you have been exposed to asbestos

Take Action

• Tell your doctor. Even if you don’t feel sick, tell your doctor that you might have been exposed to asbestos. Most people don’t show any signs or symptoms of asbestos-related disease for 10 to 20 years or more after exposure. Only a doctor can tell if you have any health problems due to asbestos exposure. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who treats diseases caused by asbestos.

• Show this information to your doctor. Please take the information on this web site to your doctor because it might be helpful in evaluating your health risk.
  Asbestos Exposure and Your Health

• Quit smoking. If you are a smoker, quit smoking. Smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly increases the risk of getting lung cancer.

• Get regular influenza (flu) and pneumonia shots. Regular shots help reduce the chance of lung infections.