If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer be sure to contact us so we can help you.
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Asbestos minerals have been used in fireproofing and insulation materials, automotive brakes and textile products, and cement and wallboard materials. As a result, asbestos occupational exposure was relatively common because the metamorphic mineral was used throughout a number of products and industries. Asbestos exposure is associated with many occupational settings including construction sites, shipyards, railroads, manufacturing plants, auto repair shops, and mines. Potential asbestos exposure can also occur at schools, homes and public buildings if asbestos products (like asbestos insulation) have fallen into disrepair or become damaged. Much of asbestos litigation surrounds employers' failure to safeguard employees from known asbestos hazards. Those most at risk of asbestos-related disease are those who have had exposure to higher concentrations of asbestos over an extended period of time. However, a great deal of uncertainty remains in regards to just how much or how little exposure can cause the onset of asbestos disease. As such, any exposure is viewed as a serious health hazard. Asbestos Paraoccupational ExposureFamily members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos dust brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of asbestos workers. This type of secondary asbestos exposure is called paraoccupational exposure. To decrease these exposures, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace. Asbestos DiseasesAsbestos exposure has been proven capable of causing the development of a number of diseases. These asbestos diseases can, on occasion, elicit fatal results. The more serious of the asbestos diseases linked with exposure to asbestos include:
Malignant MesotheliomaMalignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found on the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs), the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen), or the pericardium (the thin layer of tissue that lines the heart). After being exposed to asbestos, it usually takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to occur. Some people do not experience mesothelioma symptoms for as many as 30- to 40-years. Mesothelioma cancer sometimes causes fluid to collect around the lungs or in the abdomen. Ensuing mesothelioma symptoms may be caused by said fluid or the lung disease itself. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms, oftentimes leading to a misdiagnosis. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
Asbestos Lung CancerMost asbestos lung cancer starts in the lining of the bronchi, the tubes into which the trachea or windpipe divides. However, asbestos lung cancer can also begin in other areas such as the trachea, bronchioles (small branches of the bronchi), or alveoli (lung air sacs). Although lung cancer usually develops slowly, once it occurs, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Early-stage asbestos lung cancer may be asymptomatic (without symptoms). The methods used to diagnose asbestos lung cancer include imaging tests, biopsies, and taking phlegm (spit) samples. AsbestosisAsbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, as typically occurred during the mining or milling of asbestos in the textile, cement and insulating industries. Asbestosis is a chronic lung ailment that can produce shortness of breath, coughing and permanent lung damage that has the potential of resulting in death. What is Asbestos?Asbestos is a fine, silica dust that, when ingested, has the potential to cause the development of a number of asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos was used in building and insulation materials because of its fire/heat resistant properties and high tensile strength. Asbestos fiber masses tend to break easily into a dust composed of tiny particles that can float in the air and stick to clothes. The fibers may be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems. Although the use of asbestos and asbestos products has dramatically decreased, they are still found throughout many residential and commercial settings and continue to pose a health risk to workers and others. Paul and Hanley, LLP If you believe you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, please contact Paul & Hanley LLP to discuss your legal options.
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