Mesothelioma, lung cancer lawsuit investigation

Mesothelioma and lung cancer: Who’s affected?

Did you know that asbestos-related cancers are still diagnosed every day? You may have recently been exposed to asbestos without warning.

You may not be safe from the dangers of asbestos. The carcinogen is still imported into the U.S. and is still used in many products.

For decades now, the “ban” on asbestos is has been only partial. “Tracking by the U.S. International Trade Commission shows that 114 metric tons of raw chrysotile asbestos have been imported in the first three months of 2022,” according to E&E News by Politico. It is used in asbestos cement products, including corrugated roofing and more.

The National Institutes of Health report that although modern safety measures reduce your chance of new contact, chrysotile is “an extremely hazardous material. Clinical and epidemiologic studies have established incontrovertibly that chrysotile causes cancer of the lung, malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum, cancer of the larynx and certain gastrointestinal cancers.” Lawmakers, lobbyists and consumers work in vain to eradicate asbestos from our lives. Laboratories across the country seek cures. But asbestos is still with us and still harming and killing us. Some 12,000 to 15,000 people in the U.S. die from it asbestos-related diseases each year.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of silicate fibers. It is strong, highly fire-resistant and a good insulator. However, when the fibers are released and inhaled, they become lodged in the lungs and cause a range of health conditions.

More than 25 million people have been exposed to asbestos in their industrial workplaces. Others may have been exposed to asbestos when living or working in a building containing asbestos.

More were exposed when a family member brought home asbestos on clothing, exposing children and others who may not yet be diagnosed.

Even if you have never knowingly been exposed, you may be the victim of asbestos exposure when the fibers are released into the air by a natural or other disaster.

Fatal illnesses

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lining of internal organs. When asbestos is inhaled, it can become trapped in the lungs, cause irritation and eventually cause mesothelioma in the lungs’ lining.

Scientists do not fully understand how mesothelioma develops from irritation by asbestos.

Asbestos exposure is also known to cause lung, larynx, esophageal and colorectal cancer, as well as asbestosis, which is non-malignant.

Will it ever stop?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed banning the use of asbestos for most purposes due to severe health risks. Should it ever be passed, this ban could protect many people from asbestos exposure, but it can’t protect those who were already exposed.

Many individuals have experienced extensive or long-term asbestos exposure in their workplaces or personal lives. Because asbestos-related diseases often take years to develop, many people are now contracting these diseases decades after exposure. Others may be exposed today and in the future.

Most at risk

If you worked in the naval industry or as a boiler tender, mechanic, pipe fitter, insulation installer, steel worker or foundry factory worker, you may have been exposed to asbestos — especially if you were born between 1930 and 1960.

While those in industrial jobs are most at risk, those whose work does not relate to the handling of asbestos-filled materials also may be exposed.

Many workers in other industries work in office buildings filled with asbestos. Thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed by those who work in buildings built as late as 2000. In these buildings, asbestos may be in the walls, paint, tile floors or other materials. This means asbestos may be present throughout areas office workers frequent.

Read more on the occupations with the highest risk of mesothelioma and other related diseases caused by asbestos here.

Other concerns

While there is no broad ban on asbestos, public concern has had some sway on companies’ uses of asbestos.

For example, there has been rising public concern that talc products may contain asbestos, as asbestos is often found in talc. As a result, some companies have discontinued talc products.

Join an asbestos cancer lawsuit investigation

Thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed and settled by the manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products as the far-reaching consequences of asbestos exposure have been revealed. These lawsuits have resulted in millions of dollars being awarded to victims. These awards can help victims and their families pay for medical treatment and time away from work and can help compensate for pain and suffering.

Spouses of those afflicted with an asbestos-related disease may be able to sue for “loss of consortium.” Loss of consortium roughly translates to the loss of services, society and comfort from their spouse caused by an asbestos-related disease.

Individuals also have filed lawsuits after being allegedly exposed to asbestos from manufacturing plants near their homes. Some plaintiffs claim asbestos can emanate from these plants and people nearby breathe it in.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed in the last three years with mesothelioma or another disease caused by asbestos, you may qualify to join this asbestos lung cancer class action lawsuit investigation.

Please fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a FREE case evaluation.