B-reader evaluation and early screenings

For many years asbestos was considered an ideal solution in building materials due to its desirable qualities. Asbestos gives protection against fire, electricity, and energy loss. So, this popular material was used in a wide range of products such as ceiling and floor tiles, roofing materials or home insulation. Therefore, millions of people, especially workers who handled these types of materials were exposed to extremely high concentrations of asbestos dust. This is responsible for a broad range of lung diseases including pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and pleural mesothelioma.

B-reader evaluation facilitates early detection of asbestos-related diseases

It took a long time to realize asbestos' negative effects on health, mainly because asbestos generated diseases develop over several decades. For instance, mesothelioma takes 20 to 50 years to develop after the initial exposure. Slowly, evidence emerged that exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to deadly diseases like asbestosis, and several types of cancers. And, starting with late 1970, measures were taken to protect workers and consumers. B-Reader evaluation and screenings give you a better chance of detecting asbestos-related cancers earlier. Detection in the earliest stages makes cancer accessible to complete surgical removal. It should be noted that screening refers to the testing of healthy people without symptoms. You should not take your health for granted. Screening is a simple, painless and inexpensive procedure, and it might save your life. The sooner you find out, the sooner you get treatment. The NIOSH B-Reader Program started in 1974 and was designed to provide reading methods, reader competency and appropriate methods for imaging collection and viewing. Short of surgery, the most reliable procedure in these cases is to perform scans such as:

• computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• X-rays

Receiving a correct diagnosis is essential for recovering the financial compensation you deserve

Unaware of the dangers, people all across America had already been exposed to the harmful effects of asbestos-based products. When it became clear what we were up against, proper testing methods were developed in order to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This resulted in procedures of screening for asbestos.

From the legal perspective, a misdiagnosis can result in a lower amount of monetary compensation from asbestos trust funds because the sum of money that asbestos victims are eligible for depends on their diagnosis primarily. The reliability of diagnosis allows you access to benefits and financial compensations for asbestos-related diseases.

Should I schedule for a B-reader evaluation?

Cases of asbestos injuries occur both inside and outside the workplace (secondary exposure cases). If you work or have worked in one of the following occupations, then you should get yourself screened:

• aircraft and shipyard workers
• boiler makers
• brick cement and stone masons
• building contractors
• building inspectors
• carpenters
• construction workers
• electricians
• foundry workers
• gasket manufacturing workers
• insulators
• industrial workers
• iron workers
• janitors
• laborers
• machine operators
• manufacturing workers
• HVAC mechanics
• millwrights
• painters
• paper mill workers
• steam fitters, pipe fitters, plumbers
• steel workers
• tile setters
• tire workers
• warehouse workers
• welders

If you have a history of exposure to asbestos and you're experiencing increasing shortness of breath, browse and select from an extensive pool of physicians certified B-readers by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as they can provide you expert reviews of chest radiographs for the presence of occupational lung disease.

Remain vigilant, undergo health screenings, seek treatment, and understand your legal rights if you are a veteran with prolonged exposure to asbestos

The Department of Veterans Affairs strongly recommends seeking medical advice for those who came into contact with deadly asbestos at some point in their military career. Veterans who have developed illnesses due to exposure to asbestos are entitled to file a claim that is likely to bring them compensation if it is proven that the respective disease was caused by asbestos exposure while serving in the military.

We have helped many clients and their families with the knowledge and resources necessary to successfully tackle the most difficult and complex asbestos claims. When filing these claims, we will provide extensive documentation showing who is responsible for your exposure, as well as records detailing your diagnosis and treatments. We strive to make the process as easy on you and your family as possible.