Over the last few decades, thousands of Americans have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other types of cancers as a result of asbestos exposure. While many other dangerous products and harmful substances have been in the news more recently, I want to emphasize that asbestos exposure remains a serious problem, and workers continue to be diagnosed with serious and life-threatening lung conditions. Indeed, according to a recent article in WebWire, asbestos exposure remains a threat in a surprisingly high number of structures across the country.
More Buildings Place Workers at Risk of Asbestos Exposure Than You Think
According to the article, more commercial and residential buildings than you might think still have asbestos in them, and many continue to be slated for renovation and demolition work, thereby placing workers at risk of exposure to asbestos. Even though health care providers, researchers, and lawyers have “known for a long time that exposure to asbestos fibers could result in mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer,” it remains somewhat prevalent in “indoor environments where it could put people at risk.”
To be sure, “not only do many residential, commercial, and institutional properties still contain materials made with asbestos, its use has not been completely banned in the United States.” Although asbestos was banned in the 1980s, resulting court cases and rule making processes have meant that some asbestos-containing products can still be made and used.
In any product containing asbestos, there is a risk. As the article underscores, “regardless of the source or age of any asbestos-containing materials, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers is a serious health risk if they become airborne.” Indeed, “inhaled fibers can be embedded in lung tissue over time, causing serious and deadly diseases.”
Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Mesothelioma and asbestosis are two of the most common diseases that result from asbestos exposure. According to the Mayo Clinic, mesothelioma is a particular kind of cancer that “occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs,” known as the mesothelium. It is “an aggressive and deadly form of cancer.” For most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is no cure.
Asbestosis, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a “chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.” Similar to mesothelioma, people with asbestosis do not typically begin showing symptoms until many years after initial exposure.
Contact My Firm to Learn More About Asbestos and Class-Action Lawsuits
While many other types of large-scale and class-action lawsuits, such as those concerning Zantac and Roundup weed killer, for example, have obscured news about asbestos claims and mesothelioma lawsuits, it is extremely important to remember that asbestos continues to cause significant problems for many different types of workers and responders.
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with cancer or another debilitating condition after being exposed to asbestos, you should learn more about your options for seeking compensation. I can help you to move forward with a claim. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office today at 877.614.9524 to discuss asbestos claims and to get started on the claims process.