3M and other manufacturers are facing a product liability claim from a couple alleging lung cancer from asbestos exposure. The couple claims that as a direct result of using the companies’ products during his employment, the husband developed lung cancer from asbestos.

The couple is filing this asbestos lung cancer lawsuit claiming the companies failed to warn the public against potential asbestos health problems. Plaintiff couple Thurman M. and Effie M. are alleging lung cancer from asbestos, claiming the companies’ products or work environment had caused Thurman to be exposed to the substance on a daily basis.

For years, Thurman had worked with asbestos products and had no previous knowledge of the potential of developing lung cancer from asbestos. According to the asbestos lung cancer lawsuit, Thurman had several employers who hired him as an aircraft mechanic including:

• The U.S. Air Force in various locations between 1959 to 1980
• Lear Sigler in Japan between 1982 to 1983
• McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri between 1982 to 1985
• Northrop Grumman in Egypt between 1981 to 1982
• Boeing Aircraft in Renton, Washington between 1985 to 1993

During each of his employment periods, Thurman was allegedly exposed to asbestos on a daily basis and was put at risk for chronic asbestos health problems. Thurman was diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer in June 2015, and he and Effie filed legal action soon after.

Thurman and Effie allege the companies either knew or should have known about the chronic health risks associated with asbestos.

Overview of  Lung Cancer form Asbestos Exposure

Lung cancer from asbestos is reported by patients every year, accounting for 4,800 deaths per year linked to the condition. This makes up approximately 4% of fatalities related to lung cancer in the United States.

While most lung cancer deaths are linked to smoking, lung cancer from asbestos is a relatively rare occurrence that is specifically caused by the hazardous environment. Asbestos was popularly used for construction and manufacturing purposes before the 1980s, for its chemical and fire resistant qualities.

While the National Cancer Institute had confirmed that lung cancer from asbestos was possible in the 1940s, it was not until 1986 that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) claims asbestos lung cancer as significant risk to manufacturing employees and veterans.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they become lodged and embedded in the stomach or lungs. After years of dormancy, the fibers eventually fester and can potentially evolve into lung cancer from asbestos. Asbestos lung cancer can take up to 35 years or more to progress to a stage where the patient shows symptoms, often resulting in latent diagnoses and limited treatment options.

Due to the environmental hazards associated with asbestos exposure, there are strict policies in removing the material or working around it. Manufacturing companies are supposed to provide warnings to consumers if their products contain asbestos, or provide protective equipment to employees in an asbestos work environment.

By failing to do this, consumers and employees are put at risk for chronic asbestos health problems.

This Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-01182 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.