Asbestos exposure remains a concern for citizens in the United States. People who suffer from asbestos exposure are at risk of developing asbestos cancer, including asbestos lung cancer.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a heat and fire resistant fibrous mineral that can be woven into fabrics or mixed into other materials. Asbestos fibers themselves are microscopic but extremely durable. The fibers are resistant to fire and many chemical reactions. Due to the minerals durability, asbestos became an incredibly popular material for commercial and industrial purposes.

Commercial and industrial companies used asbestos to create products such as roofing shingles, floor tiles, cement compounds, textile products, automotive parts, and ceiling materials. Asbestos is also found in an extensive number of other products.

One of the most famous users of asbestos materials was Emperor Charlemagne. A story is told about the medieval ruler, who would impress his dinner guests by throwing a tablecloth into the fire at the end of the evening. His guests would be amazed that the tablecloth did not burn because it was woven with asbestos.

While the mineral has many uses, there can be serious consequences to using asbestos in commercial and industrial products. The fibers create a fine toxic dust that is easily inhaled. The fibers when inhaled become lodged in the body tissue and are carcinogenic, or cancer causing.

Asbestos Exposure Risks

In 1989 the Federal Environmental Protection Agency issued a rule banning most asbestos products. The rule was later modified to allow uses previously established prior to 1989. This ban was not a complete ban and some asbestos products still remain on the market.

Tradespeople are believed to be at the most substantial risk of developing asbestos cancer. Tradespeople are those persons who work in construction, plumbing, electrical, and maintenance type jobs. These are the workers who are most likely to come across asbestos materials, and accidently disturb the asbestos and create dust. Asbestos exposure is also a risk for people working on “do it yourself projects” in their homes.

According to the World Health Organization over 100,000 people worldwide die each year from asbestos exposure and asbestos related side effects. In the US between 10,000 and 15,000 people die each year from asbestos exposure.

What is Asbestos Lung Cancer?

When asbestos is inhaled the small fibrous particles can become lodged in the lung tissue. Over time these particles can cause inflammation, scar tissue, and an environment ripe for lung cancer. Asbestos lung cancer may occur several years or even decades after the person was exposed to asbestos. Typically, symptoms of asbestos cancer will develop between 15 and 35 years after exposure. In many cases asbestos related lung cancer is associated with smoking.

Patients who were exposed to asbestos a minimum of 10 years prior to developing asbestos lung cancer may be able to bring a lawsuit against the companies responsible for the exposure. Asbestos lung cancer attorneys can help potential plaintiffs decide if bringing a lawsuit is right for them.