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Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer with only one known cause: asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs when inhaled, leading to inflammation and scarring, eventually developing into mesothelioma.
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By filing a lawsuit, you can pursue financial compensation and justice from the asbestos companies that caused you or a loved one harm.
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Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and it was unfortunately common in specific industries for decades before asbestos toxicity was fully understood.
People who worked in construction, shipbuilding, or manufacturing industries before the 1980s may have been exposed to asbestos. This puts them at increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation if you later developed mesothelioma.
This is especially true for veterans who served in the U.S. military, as asbestos was used extensively in ships, aircraft, and other military equipment and structures.
While asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, several risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.
However, It’s essential to understand the distinction between causes and risk factors.
A cause is something that directly leads to a condition, while a risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a condition.
Known risk factors for mesothelioma include:
If you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to be aware of the potential risk of developing mesothelioma and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.
To fully understand the cause of mesothelioma, it’s important to understand how this disease develops slowly over time. It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years after asbestos exposure for the disease to develop.
Asbestos was commonly used in various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, and automotive manufacturing, from the early 1900s through the 1980s.
Exposure to asbestos occurs when people work with or around asbestos products, such as insulation, pipes, or floor tiles.
Once asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they become lodged in the mesothelium and other tissues of the body.
Over time, the fibers can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to genetic damage and mutations that can ultimately result in mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can cause a variety of changes to healthy cells, including damage to DNA and cellular structures.
This damage can prevent cells from functioning normally, leading to abnormal cell growth and the development of tumors.
As tumors grow and spread, they can cause a variety of symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Because these changes can take decades to develop, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed 10-50 years after exposure. By then, the disease has usually progressed to an advanced stage, making treatment challenging.
Asbestos-related diseases include:
Asbestos use was widespread for decades because it is an excellent insulator and a great fireproofing material, especially considering how lightweight it is. Companies that made and supplied asbestos materials learned that asbestos exposure could lead to cancer as early as the 1930s. They chose to keep this danger a secret from the public for decades and continue earning money while thousands of people continued using their products.
You may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure. This allows you to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Asbestos exposure can occur through inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers, which can cause damage to the lungs and other organs, leading to the risk of mesothelioma.
People who may have been exposed to asbestos could be at risk for mesothelioma in the following ways.
Workers who handle asbestos-containing materials or work in buildings with asbestos are at higher risk for asbestos exposure.
Occupations with higher risk include:
Because asbestos was commonly used as insulation in buildings — and is still used in a limited capacity today — construction workers are also at a high risk of exposure. For the same reason, workers involved in demolition — or firefighters who might inhale asbestos while battling fires — are also at a higher risk.
Asbestos was commonly used in the military, particularly in the Navy, where ships were built with asbestos-containing materials.
Military veterans who served from the 1940s through the 1980s are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.
Cases of mesothelioma have been tied to military service positions that include:
Secondhand asbestos exposure can occur when someone comes into contact with asbestos fibers through another person’s clothing, hair, or personal items.
For example, family members of workers exposed to asbestos carcinogens on the job can also be at risk of exposure.
You can experience secondhand asbestos exposure from:
Asbestos can naturally be found in soil, rocks, and other materials and can be released into the air or water through natural disasters or human activities.
People who live near asbestos mines, mills, or manufacturing plants may be exposed to asbestos in the environment, increasing the risk of developing mesothelioma cancer cells.
Some types of mesothelioma can be caused by environmental exposure, such as:
Though the use of asbestos has been banned in many countries, it is still present in some older homes, schools, and buildings.
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from asbestos exposure.
Understanding where asbestos may be present can help you avoid potential exposure. Common sites where asbestos may be present include older homes and buildings, insulation materials, roofing shingles, flooring, and car parts.
Some jobs, such as construction, auto mechanics, and shipbuilding, also carry a higher risk of asbestos exposure.
Knowing where asbestos may be present, you can minimize your exposure and reduce your risk of developing mesothelioma.
If you work in a job with a risk of asbestos exposure, it is essential to take proper precautions.
This may include wearing protective gear such as respirators, gloves, and coveralls and using tools and equipment that minimize the release of asbestos fibers.
Employers should also provide adequate training on safely handling and removing asbestos materials.
If you live in an older home or building, inspecting it for asbestos is vital.
A professional inspector can identify areas where asbestos may be present and provide recommendations for remediation or removal.
Homeowners should never attempt to remove asbestos on their own, as this can release dangerous fibers into the air.
If you have a history of asbestos exposure, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of mesothelioma.
These may include chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience these symptoms, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is crucial.
While asbestos use has been banned in many countries, it is still legal in the United States and some other nations.
By signing petitions and supporting efforts to ban asbestos, you can help raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure and protect others from its harmful effects.
While the cause of mesothelioma is clear, many people are unaware they have been exposed to asbestos.
Unfortunately, symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for many years after exposure, making it challenging to identify and diagnose the disease early.
However, people exposed to asbestos who have developed mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation.
This includes military service members who may be eligible for VA benefits, such as healthcare and disability benefits.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us for a free case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand if you have a mesothelioma case and aid you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Besides asbestos exposure, no other known cause of mesothelioma has been proven in quantitative sample sizes.
However, certain mineral fibers and types of radiation therapy have been seen to have potential causal effects on the development of mesothelioma tumors in some patients.
People who have been exposed to asbestos, especially those who worked in specific industries or served in the military, are most at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Cancer research has not produced a known safety level for asbestos exposure, as even small amounts can cause mesothelioma.
If you have symptoms of mesothelioma or have been exposed to asbestos, it’s essential to find a cancer center specializing in mesothelioma as soon as possible.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform tests to diagnose and develop a treatment plan. You can even take part in clinical trials for the newest available treatments.
Consider consulting with an attorney specializing in mesothelioma cases to discuss your legal options for seeking compensation.
Written by: LawFirm.com
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