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ASBESTOS SCREENING AT LOCAL UNION 25 SEPTEMBER 7-8, 2007 SPONSORED BY SHEET METAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH INSTITUTE TRUST 2. Why an asbestos program? 3. What good will it do me? 4. Who is being asked to participate in the screening program? 5. What will I find out? 6. How will the information be used? 7. Will the screening cost me anything? 8. Where and when is the screening? 1. Do you qualify? If you were initiated into the trade prior to January 1, 1987 you qualify to participate in the screening program. 2. Why an asbestos program? Sheet Metal Workers are heavily exposed to asbestos on many different types of jobs, particularly construction and renovation work. For instance, many of us can remember ripping out existing duct work on remodeling jobs performed thirty or more years ago. By the end of the day, most of us were covered with white asbestos dust. Asbestos can cause serious disease, and in some cases, death. IN most people, however, the effects of exposure to asbestos, such as scarring of the lung or cancer, do not show up until many years after the first exposure to asbestos. In some cases, these conditions may already be present, but the person affected is unaware of the problem. Asbestos is deadly, and your
3. What good will it do me? Damage to the lungs caused by asbestos fibers need not be fatal. In many instances, problems discovered are treatable. It is imperative for your future well-being that asbestos-related diseases are discovered as early as possible. Education and recommended life style changes may add many years of comfortable living to most victims. These tests will afford you this opportunity. 4. Who is being asked to participate in the screening program? Because the effects of asbestos usually do not show up for a long period of time, only members initiated into the craft prior to January 1, 1987 are being asked to participate in the part of the screening program. If you have been screened in the past and had positive results (results that showed some type of asbestos-related disease), you should not be screened again since this is strictly a diagnostic test. However, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations for regular checkups. 5. What will I find out? As a participant in the screening program, you will be given medical tests to detect the presence of conditions caused by asbestos – conditions that you many now have, but not be aware of. These tests include having a chest x-ray, breathing test, hemoccult test (checking for blood in the stool), and a simple physical exam consisting of blood pressure measurement, examination of the chest and examination for clubbing. 6. How will the information be used? The information will be used in several ways:
Upon your written authorization, the Trust will be notified of the results of your examination. Your union will then help you to obtain medical and legal assistance that you might need to protect yourself and your family. 7. Will the screening cost me anything? The screening program will not cost you anything. However, if you are diagnosed as positive, any additional medical costs incurred following the screening are your responsibility. Also, if diagnosed as positive, you may have a limited time to file a lawsuit. Make sure you consult an attorney to discuss legal options and time limits on statutes of limitations. If you are specifically referred by a lawyer for an additional medical examination, make certain the law firm will advance the additional costs. 8. Where and when is the screening? The screening will be held at the SMW Local
If you wish to be included in this screening please contact SMOHIT at 703-739-7134 immediately. If you are female and wish to have a mammogram please inform SMOHIT.
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