Asbestos was once a wonder material praised for its fire resistance and insulating properties. However, a hidden danger lurked within its fibers, and millions of Americans felt its impact.
From 1940 to 1980, a staggering 27 million American workers were exposed to asbestos before strict controls were finally put in place. While its use has significantly declined, the consequences of past exposure are still felt today.
Understanding the dangers of asbestos exposure can be crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones. This article delves into the potential health risks associated with asbestos and how an attorney can help if you’ve been exposed.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos microscopic fibers can quickly become airborne when disturbed through activities like renovation or demolition. These tiny fibers can be inhaled without detection, and can then lodge deep within the lungs and cause long-term damage.
The real threat of asbestos lies in its ability to cause serious health issues years or even decades after exposure. While regulations have been put in place to limit asbestos use, the legacy of past construction practices still haunts us today.
Understanding the Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure poses significant health risks that can have devastating consequences on individuals. Among the various asbestos health risks, three main diseases stand out: asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers over an extended period. These tiny fibers can become lodged in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. As a result, breathing may become difficult and painful for those affected.
The symptoms of asbestosis typically develop years or even decades after asbestos exposure. Common signs of this disease include the following:
- Persistent dry cough
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Dry, crackling sounds in the lungs when inhaling
- Clubbing of the toes and fingers
Unfortunately, there is no cure for asbestosis, and the damage to the lungs is often irreversible.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer. It affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled or ingested unknowingly. The latency period for mesothelioma development can range from 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure.
The latency period is rarely under 15 years. The longest documented latency period is 60 to 70 years. Because symptoms of mesothelioma don’t appear until decades later, early detection can be challenging.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Painful coughing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
Symptoms can vary based on the type of mesothelioma. Treatment options for mesothelioma typically include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, prognosis for mesothelioma patients is often poor due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options available.
Lung Cancer
The inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to the development of lung cancer over time. These tiny fibers can become trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation and damage to lung tissue.
Asbestos-related lung cancer may not manifest symptoms immediately, which makes it challenging to detect early on. Symptoms can include the following:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling of the face or neck
- Persistent cough
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
If asbestos exposure has occurred, remain vigilant about your respiratory health and seek treatment if you experience concerning symptoms. Treatment options for asbestos-related lung cancer vary depending on the stage of the disease and your overall health.
Other Cancers
Asbestos and cancer risks include more than mesothelioma and lung cancer. Other cancers that have been associated with asbestos exposure include:
- Ovarian cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancers
Inhaling or ingesting fibers from asbestos can cause damage over time as they travel through the body.
When asbestos fibers become lodged in different organs or tissues, they can trigger mutations, leading to the development of cancerous cells. This complex process often takes years or even decades to manifest into detectable tumors. As a result, individuals who have had past asbestos exposure may be at risk for developing these other forms of cancer later in life.
Who Is at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?
Today, regulations help limit asbestos exposure. However, the risk still exists. Around 1.3 million Americans are still exposed to workplace asbestos.
People working in older buildings or industries like manufacturing, shipbuilding, and mining are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure.
Individuals living in homes built before the 1980s may also be at risk. Asbestos was a common building material then. Renovating or demolishing these structures without proper precautions can release harmful fibers into the air, putting occupants at risk unknowingly.
In addition, family members of those who work with asbestos may also face secondary exposure when workers carry home microscopic fibers on their clothes or body.
The Importance of Contacting an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer
With asbestos exposure, seeking legal help may be crucial. Attorneys experienced with asbestos cases can guide you through the complex legal process and help you understand your rights. They should have the knowledge to navigate the intricate laws surrounding asbestos-related illnesses and compensation.
By contacting an attorney, you can ensure your case is handled carefully and diligently. They should work tirelessly to gather evidence, build a strong case on your behalf, and seek justice for any harm caused by asbestos exposure. With their support, you can focus on your health while they fight for the compensation you might be entitled to.
An experienced attorney should also be familiar with various options available to victims of asbestos exposure. This could include:
- Filing lawsuits
- Pursuing settlements or claims with trust funds set up by companies responsible for exposing individuals to asbestos
Don’t hesitate to reach out for legal assistance if you suspect you’ve been exposed to asbestos. It might make all the difference in securing fair compensation and holding those responsible for your suffering accountable.
Let Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello Help With Your Case
Understanding the dangers of asbestos exposure and its severe health risks is essential.
At Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello, our attorneys are ready to fight for you. We’ve been providing the people of Louisiana with patient, kind, and caring support for over 50 years. Contact us for a free initial consultation.