Sometimes, people who have mesothelioma, asbestosis or other asbestos-related conditions really don’t know where they were exposed. The likelihood is that you were exposed at work if you worked in a trade or in a place where asbestos was present, but to tie in the link to the exposure may take work.
It’s not a bad idea to think about some of the unusual places where asbestos is found. For example, did you know that many old toilet seats were made with Bakelite? This sometimes contained asbestos. So, those who worked in construction or who performed home renovations may have come across asbestos in those seats.
Artex ceilings weren’t as safe as they seemed
Another unusual place to find asbestos is in some older Artex ceilings. These are ceilings with swirls and other patterns that were common in the ’70s through the ’90s.
Artex ceilings (often called popcorn ceilings in the United States) are particularly dangerous because of where they’re located. If you were working in an office while someone was sanding down the ceiling to make it smooth again, there is a possibility that you were exposed to asbestos.
Other unusual places to find asbestos
Other places you may not think to look for asbestos at home or in a workplace may include:
- Hot water pipes
- Heat-resistant fabrics
- Automobile brakes
- Patching compounds
- Shingles
These and other items may contain asbestos fibers. If you’re in doubt about where you may have been exposed, it may help to talk to past coworkers or to look into class-action lawsuits involving asbestos for more information on common sources of asbestos exposure.
What do you do if you develop an asbestos-related condition?
If you develop signs of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition, you need to take steps to get medical attention. Early medical intervention may help you minimize the impact of mesothelioma, asbestosis or other conditions so that you can live more comfortably. You may have an opportunity to seek compensation for your exposure to asbestos, as well. Making a claim could help you seek fair compensation for the development of illnesses related to asbestos exposure.