ASBESTOS TESTING
Health care services for military veterans at the Loch Raven VA Outpatient Clinic in Baltimore, MD

Contact information for military veterans to test for exposure to asbestos: Loch Raven VA Outpatient Clinic, 3901 The Alameda, Baltimore, MD 21218. Phone: (410) 605-7651.

Various people with asbestos exposure should be tested for asbestos-related diseases. Primarily, there are some questions one should ask to figure out if the threat posed by asbestos is a problem. Some questions to ask include: Do you think you have had prolonged exposure to asbestos? Are you an immediate family member of someone who has worked in asbestos-related industries? Have you worked somewhere where asbestos insulation was used? Is it possible your exposure to asbestos was in the form of a "burst exposure" (a very heavy concentration) to asbestos for short periods of time? Was yes a response to any of these? If so, you may wish to discuss this with your health-care provider.

The following are the ailments which have been linked to asbestos exposure: Mesothelioma (a cancer of the thin membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities and surrounding internal organs), asbestosis (a serious, chronic, non cancerous fibrous hardening and scarring of the lungs), lung cancer, and pleural plaque and thickening (scarring of the lining of the lung). The warning signs of asbestos-related diseases are coughing, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. Unfortunately, these signs of contact with asbestos can appear up to 25 years after primary exposure. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.

It is necessary to see a doctor if you imagine that you have been exposed to asbestos. Other ways of testing is an x-ray (side and front view of your chest.) Other tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan and/or biopsy. Often, doctors speak a language puzzling to the typical patient. As a patient, you should be sure to question your medical professional about your state. If you don't fully understand your doctor, have him put it in plain words so you can better understand.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a proponent of the idea that all citizens who have participated in the U.S. Armed orces should receive the benefits they deserve. This includes compensation for deadly diseases such as mesothelioma.

If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma after having contact with asbestos, allow us to help. It's never too late for a free case evaluation. The form below initiates the process.

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