Even though asbestos has been phased out in the United States, cases of mesothelioma continue to be diagnosed. This is because of the way mesothelioma develops, as well as the history of asbestos in the United States.

Asbestos has been used sporadically throughout human history. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is functionally fireproof, even under industrial conditions. This made it desirable as a novelty in antiquity: ancient Greek kings would dazzle guests by “cleaning” asbestos tablecloths by burning off stains in nearby fireplaces. However, asbestos was not widely used until the Industrial Revolution, when its fireproof and thermal insulator properties made it useful in a wide variety of applications. Unfortunately, asbestos carries many health risks, including mesothelioma.

Once asbestos became widespread in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding, the health risks of asbestos exposure became more and more clear. By the 1920s, it was well established that asbestos could cause a host of lung diseases, including cancers like mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the chest. Mesothelioma is a particularly deadly form of cancer. Most patients die within two years of their initial diagnosis. However, a small subset of mesothelioma patients can have their lives extended by grueling, invasive surgery.

Asbestos was gradually phased out in the United States over the course of decades. By the 1980s, asbestos was more or less banned in the United States. However, the number of mesothelioma cases diagnosed continues at a steady pace. This is partly because there are still asbestos exposures in the United States. Asbestos removal and cleanup is ongoing. Additionally, remodeling older homes can expose workers to asbestos bound up in the walls and building materials.

Another factor is the latency of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, and many other asbestos cancers, have a long latency period. This means that there is a time lag between the asbestos exposure and the disease it causes. In the case of mesothelioma, there can be a latency period of 30 to 50 years. In fact, developing mesothelioma less than 15 years after an asbestos exposure is all but unheard of.

Mesothelioma lawsuits are frequently filed by patients—and their next of kin—who developed mesothelioma after an asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma lawsuits often seek to recoup the cost of medical care, lost wages, lost income potential, compensation for wrongful death, and other costs allegedly stemming from mesothelioma. Mesothelioma lawsuits have set records for multi-million dollar settlements for plaintiffs exposed to asbestos.