Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure is a major health concern even though asbestos products aren’t as widely used today.

Asbestos has been used for decades in many industries because it was a cheap, tough, flexible and fireproof insulating material.

People employed in certain jobs have traditionally had greater risk of asbestos exposure. U.S. military servicemembers, shipyard workers, auto mechanics, paper mill workers, construction workers and linotype technicians could have been exposed at their workplace and not even realized it.

Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure is not a risk limited to the workers themselves. Family members of workers could have been exposed to second-hand asbestos exposure.

Asbestos fibers in the form of dust could cling to clothing that was laundered by unsuspecting family members. If the clothing received a good shake to loosen the dust before laundering, the fibers could become airborne in the home, exposing the family.

Even though the United States no longer produces the carcinogen, asbestos is still used in some products, including protective clothing, pipe insulation, brake linings and similar objects that need to be heat- and fire-resistant.

Breathing asbestos fibers today probably won’t result in any immediate effects, but 10 to 50 years from exposure is when those fibers have settled into the lungs and cancer can develop.

Because of the long period of time between exposure and becoming symptomatic, scientists expect the largest number of asbestos cancer diagnoses will peak between now and 2020 in the U.S.

Even smokers can contract asbestos cancer in their lungs rather than from cigarette smoke. Many asbestos cancer lawyers have won class action lawsuits against companies that exposed workers to asbestos fibers, even when some of the plaintiffs had smoked cigarettes.

Medical test can confirm lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Compensation to asbestos cancer victims and their families has totaled millions of dollars.

Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos Exposure Possible from Homes, Schools

Homes built before the 1980s could expose workers to asbestos if they renovate areas that include insulation, cement, drywall, electrical insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and other construction materials.

These items are not dangerous in their final state, but once they are cut, asbestos fibers enter the air where they can be inhaled.

Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure is possible from school buildings. Nearly half of all schools were built between 1950 and 1969, when asbestos containing materials were used most often in construction.

Over the years, asbestos materials can deteriorate, allowing asbestos dust to enter the air and be inhaled. Maintenance work can also disturb asbestos particles. Teachers and students are at risk for lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure when proper EPA regulations are not followed during renovations.

If you or someone you love has developed lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, you could be eligible for compensation through legal representation.