Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of building materials and other products for decades because of its durability and fire-resistant properties. People who manufactured, installed, or demolished products that contained asbestos could, and in many cases did, develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases if they were exposed to the microscopic asbestos particles for an extended amount of time. The particles are capable of being breathed into the lungs or swallowed, often leading to the development of mesothelioma, a very deadly condition.
Mesothelioma is a tumor that is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers, forming in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or other organs. These fibers eventually lodge in the mesothelium, a protective membrane that covers these organs, giving the body a hard time ridding of the damaging fibers. Different types of mesothelioma can result, depending on where the fibers have traveled in the body. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include:
Asbestos exposure happens when toxic asbestos fibers become airborne. People who are at the highest risk of asbestos exposure are manual labor (construction workers, shipyard workers, factory workers, etc.) and skilled trade employees. The most common areas of asbestos exposure are contaminated job sites, like chemical or power plants, natural asbestos deposits, and many other worksites. When natural asbestos deposits are disrupted, the chance of exposure quickly increases, so be sure to avoid these areas if possible.
The development of mesothelioma varies from person to person, but it can take several decades before a person exposed to asbestos, develops mesothelioma. Most cases of mesothelioma arise after years of continuous exposure to asbestos for prolonged periods of time.
Asbestos can be found in:
Almost all cases of mesothelioma could have been prevented if producers of the products that contain asbestos would have been discontinued as soon as it was classified as deadly. Many producers had a choice to continue using asbestos products knowing it would result in the development of mesothelioma or loss of lives and continued to do so anyway. Although mesothelioma litigations do not make the wrong that was done right, it holds asbestos producers accountable for their choices and helps take the burden of expenses, or pain and suffering from the loss of a loved one, off of individuals and loved ones.
If you’ve suffered from mesothelioma as a result of the exposure to asbestos please contact The Cochran Firm today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. We serve clients throughout the United States.
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