Asbestos Exposure

Despite early evidence that it was dangerous, many companies downplayed the risks of asbestos exposure, continuing to manufacture asbestos products and failing to provide at-risk employees with necessary protection.

During the 1970s the US government took action by regulating and restricting the use of asbestos. However, for many victims of asbestos exposure, it was too late. Thousands of former workers have since developed serious, life-threatening asbestos exposure-related diseases, including asbestosis, pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and lung cancer. For these victims, there is hope. There are many qualified asbestos attorneys who are experienced in handling asbestosis, pleural mesothelioma, and asbestos exposure-related lung cancer cases. 

Asbestos Exposure

Unfortunately, there are many opportunities for asbestos exposure since asbestos was used so abundantly in both industrial and consumer products. Most people that develop asbestos cancer and other asbestos diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, usually have a history of chronic exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is somewhat unique in this respect, as mesothelioma cases have developed in people with limited asbestos exposure. As a result, there is no established "safe" level of asbestos exposure.

Workers are exposed to asbestos when the substance or products containing asbestos are cut, crushed, sanded, drilled or otherwise disturbed. When left undisturbed, asbestos-containing materials can be relatively safe. In cases where asbestos materials are mined, installed, removed, demolished, or serviced, exposure can be a risk unless strict asbestos removal techniques are employed.

When inhaled, microscopic asbestos fibers can make it past the body's natural defenses and deep into the lungs, causing asbestos disease. Once in the lungs, the fibers can irritate lung tissue leading to asbestos cancer. If asbestos fibers make their way to the alveoli or air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange takes place, they can cause irritation and scarring called asbestosis. Asbestos fibers that pass through the alveoli and into the pleural mesothelium, can eventually lead to asbestos cancer in the form of tumors and malignant mesothelioma.

Asbestos Health Effects

Asbestos exposure can lead to several serious health effects, including:

• Lung cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Colon cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Asbestosis: a condition characterized by scarring of the lung tissue. Asbestosis causes shortness of breath and an increased risk of lung infection
• Mesothelioma: a form of cancer that affects the lungs and abdomen

Do You Have a Case Involving Asbestos Exposure?

If you have developed asbestosis, mesothelioma, or asbestos exposure-related lung cancer, you may be entitled to compensation, depending on how long ago you were exposed, where you were exposed, and where the companies you believe to be responsible currently reside.

For more information, speak with an asbestos attorney who specializes in handling cases that involve asbestos, asbestosis, pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and asbestos exposure-related lung cancer.