What Are The Preventive Measures?

How can I prevent inhaling asbestos fibers?

The first and the foremost avoid the use of asbestos containing materials or follow the directions carefully while using them.
If you have to work in a high-risk profession, wear protective gear and take other prescribed precautions while working. The same applies for Para occupational and neighborhood exposures.
Children should be kept away from all asbestos-related sites.
Owners of factories that produce asbestos containing materials should inform their workers about the hazards of asbestos exposure, provide them with the required protective gear and send them for regular medical check-ups.
Never sand/saw or fiddle in any other way with an asbestos containing material.
Remove/ seal all asbestos in your house. If that's not a viable option or you are not sure about its necessity, take help from a certified union technician.
Remove all damaged and ‘friable' (that is a dry asbestos product that can be crumbled under hand pressure) asbestos containing materials from your house. These materials are more likely to cause asbestos cancer than the non-damaged and non-friable ones.

What should I do if I have been exposed to asbestos?

Get a complete check-up.
Follow your physician's advice.
Keep going for your regular check-ups and chest X-rays because asbestos exposure often produces late symptoms.
Watch for signs like breathlessness, cough, chest pain etc. and consult your doctor immediately if you develop these symptoms.
Quit smoking.
Use protective gear and follow the safety instructions while working with/ around asbestos.
Use the best medical opportunities available to you.
Remember your legal rights and don't hesitate in taking legal help.

Related Links:

What is Asbestos?