Awareness is spreading over the serious asbestos lung cancer risk facing those that have been exposed to the dangerous material, putting them at risk for developing disease many years later.

Asbestos diseases may take decades to surface, presenting symptoms at a time that can make it harder to connect the disease to its cause. Asbestos lung cancer risk is most prevalent for those who have been exposed to large quantities and over a longer period of time, which generally includes construction workers or others who often use tools and materials made with asbestos—especially when that exposure is consistent over years through a particular job.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for commercial purposes such as electrical or building insulation, as well as a number of other uses. Only in recent years has the use of asbestos become much more thoroughly regulated, due to the spread of knowledge regarding asbestos lung cancer risk.

The microscopic fibers of asbestos can accumulate in the lungs. Asbestos exposure can cause several critical health problems, and asbestos lung cancer risk is one of the greatest concerns. Because asbestos fibers can sit dormant in a person’s lungs for a great length of time, lung cancer from asbestos may take decades to develop.

Unfortunately, the rapid rate of development once asbestos lung cancer begins spreading often means that the patient isn’t properly diagnosed until the cancer has reached a later and more dangerous stage of development.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Risk

Knowledge of asbestos lung cancer risk has been talked about for decades. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warned back in 1986 that, of the dangers of asbestos exposure, asbestos lung cancer risk was the greatest risk associated with the chemical.

While any amount of asbestos exposure can lead to cancer diagnosis, asbestos lung cancer risk is heightened exponentially for those who are surrounded with asbestos products and fibers on a day-to-day basis, especially in large amounts and for long periods of time. Indeed, many who file lawsuits over asbestos lung cancer risk do so because of years of exposure through their work. Because most asbestos products are used for construction like insulation or electrical products, construction workers make up a large number of those who file asbestos lung cancer risk lawsuits.

Filing a Lawsuit over Asbestos Lung Cancer Risk

According to many lawsuits filed over the link between asbestos lung cancer risk, companies that allow workers to be exposed to asbestos should have been aware of the dangerous nature of their asbestos-containing materials and its ability to cause disease and even fatalities. There are many regulations in place to prevent these issues, and companies are expected to follow these regulations in order to keep their workers safe.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with or died from lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, you may be able to file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by asbestos lung cancer risk, or bring a loved one back to life, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.