The alleged link between lung cancer and asbestos has been well documented for years through various health agency warnings and numerous injury reports. In particular, retired machine workers and employees who worked in construction-related fields may be at risk for the potential link between lung cancer and asbestos.

Along with military veterans, many of these individuals had to contend with daily asbestos exposure and are more likely to suffer related health problems. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancer types Americans are diagnosed with, affecting nearly 200,000 patients each year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lung cancer is the most common reported cancer death in the United States. Out of the numerous deaths and diagnoses linked to this disease, approximately 4,800 deaths are specifically linked to asbestos lung cancer.

Medical researchers have been investigating the alleged link between lung cancer and asbestos for years, first making the observation in 1935.  Just seven years later, the National Cancer Institute confirmed that certain forms of lung cancer and asbestos exposure were linked. In 1986, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stated that lung cancer is a significant risk for American employees who work with asbestos.

Overview of Lung Cancer and Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos fibers can either be swallowed or inhaled during exposure, with asbestos fibers eventually embedding themselves in the lungs. Often, asbestos lung cancer is diagnosed at a late stage because it can take decades after exposure for the patient to show any symptoms.

Asbestos risks are more common than most people realize. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the United Kingdom, as many as 20 manufacturing and construction laborers could be suffering from asbestos induced damage to their lungs per day.

This could also mean that residents in the United States working in high risk industries could face similar damage. Due to the previous popularity asbestos had before the 1980s, the fibrous material was commonly used for various manufacturing and insulation purposes.

Occupations relating to any construction and manufacturing fields could be at risk, along with United States Military and Navy veterans. The HSE estimated its country’s industry employees could face asbestos exposure up to 100 times per year.

Companies are required to disclose the risks of potential asbestos exposure and to provide necessary protective equipment. In asbestos lung cancer lawsuits, companies have tried to argue that the employee’s lung cancer and asbestos exposure were not linked and that their condition was brought on by smoking.

Employees who developed asbestos lung cancer and were not aware of potential exposure in their occupations may be able to file legal action. Potential claimants should contact a lawyer to determine eligibility for an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit.