ASBESTOS TESTING
Health care services for military veterans at the VA clinic in Hattiesburg, MS

Contact information for military veterans to test for exposure to asbestos: Hattiesburg Clinic, 231 Methodist Blvd., Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Phone: (601) 296-3530.

Various people with asbestos exposure should be tested for asbestos-related diseases. At first glance, there are some questions one should ask to figure out if exposure to asbestos is an issue. 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.

Certain illnesses are associated with asbestos exposure: lung cancer, asbestosis (a serious, chronic, non cancerous fibrous hardening and scarring of the lungs), mesothelioma (a cancer of the thin membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities and surrounding internal organs), and pleural plaque and thickening (scarring of the lining of the lung). Certain specific 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 initial exposure. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.

It is crucial to seek medical council if you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos. Other ways of testing is an x-ray (side and front view of your chest.) Added tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan and/or biopsy. At times, medical professionals may speak a language that may be unlcear to the typical patient. Don't be afraid to question your medical professional about your health problem. If you don't fully understand your doctor, ask her to explain it in a way that you can better know your condition.

Weitz & Luxenberg supports the notion 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.

Coping with mesothelioma can be taxing. Weitz & Luxenberg can help decrease some of the worry by providing you with a free case evaluation. Your first step is to complete the form below.

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