Asbestos Exposure

As a person’s exposure to asbestos fibers increases, either by breathing more fibers or by breathing fibers for a longer time, that person’s risk of mesothelioma also increases

Unfortunately, because was used so abundantly in both industrial and consumer products there are many opportunities for asbestos exposure. Most people that develop and other diseases, including and asbestosis, usually have a history of chronic exposure to .

Mesothelioma is somewhat unique in this respect, as cases have developed in people with limited exposure. As a result, there is no established “safe” level of exposure.

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

When inhaled, microscopic fibers can make it past the body’s natural defenses and deep into the lungs causing disease. Once within the lungs, the fibers can irritate lung tissue leading to . If 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 . fibers that pass through the alveoli and into the pleural mesothelium, can eventually lead to in the form of tumors and malignant .

Occupational Exposure

Many people are exposed to at work. The following are some of the occupational environments that may increase an individual’s exposure risk:

  • Construction sites
  • product manufacturing sites
  • Oil refineries
  • Mines
  • Shipyards
  • Steel mills
  • Power plants
  • Automotive manufacturing facilities
  • Offshore rust removal sites
  • Railroads
  • Maritime operation sites
  • Demolition sites

Non-occupational Exposure

Not all exposure occurs in the workplace. The following are a few non-occupational exposure risks:

  • -contaminated drinking water
  • Asbestos products including talc and various older appliances
  • Vermiculite-containing garden products such as certain fertilizers and pesticides

Paraoccupational Secondary Exposure

Another form of exposure is called paraoccupational secondary exposure and occurs when an individual is exposed to through a family member who works around the dangerous fibers. Workers heavily exposed to may bring the hazardous fibers into the home on their shoes, clothing, skin, and hair. Family members or others who live in the same home face an increased exposure risk.

Secondary exposure, like occupational exposure, may not manifest symptoms for as many as 20-40 years after exposure. For this reason, even if you never personally worked around , it is important to tell your doctor and your if you were in close daily contact with someone who did, and if you handled their clothing or other materials brought from their workplace. This secondary exposure puts you at risk of developing .

In May 2007, the Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), dedicated to serving as the voice of victims, announced that an increasing number of patients suffering from -related diseases are now younger than in previous reports. Case reports from the past three years reveal a new median age of 51 and nearly fifty percent of those are women.

Anecdotal evidence suggests a changing profile of newly diagnosed patients, many of whom are under 40 years old, nearly forty percent of which have never worked with , but have environmental exposure.

The ADAO reports the occurrence of -related diseases, including , lung and , is growing out of control. Studies estimate that during the next decade, 100,000 victims in the United States will die of an related disease – equaling 30 deaths per day.

If you have a heightened exposure risk, you may wish to consult with a physician experienced in the evaluation and management of -related diseases.

Legal Options

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or if you are experiencing the symptoms associated with , you may have a claim against the manufacturers of these products.

Please contact us today by filling out the brief questionnaire, or by calling our toll free number (1-800-898-2034) for a free, no-cost, no-obligation legal evaluation of your case.