It’s well-established that asbestos exposure is linked with cancer, and thousands of people die every year from asbestos-related cancers. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is working to better enforce laws to protect residents of her state from asbestos exposure.

Healey has a vested interested in fighting asbestos exposure, as more than 6,000 people from the Bay State died from asbestos-related illnesses between 1993 and 2013, according to the advocacy group AsbestosNation.com.

The problem is not unique to Massachusetts. Each year, between 12,000 and 15,000 people in the United States reportedly die from diseases related to asbestos exposure.

To address the issue, Healey in 2017 launched her Healthy Buildings, Healthy Air initiative. It focused on expanding enforcement efforts, stakeholder communication and education, and national advocacy. She recently released a report on asbestos across the state and what’s being done to protect people from its effects.

Healey’s initiative has secured more than $3.4 million in judgments for violations of Massachusetts’ asbestos laws. These violations occurred at a variety of institutions, from nursing homes to schools to community centers and more. Healey’s office also created a database reflecting the presence of asbestos in Massachusetts schools. The AG’s office is working with several other states to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is adequately evaluating the asbestos risk. Healey led a multi-state litigation against the EPA over its handling of the chemical industry regarding asbestos, and also this year called on Congress to ban the controversial material.

“Massachusetts has been a leader in protecting its residents and the environment from the harms of asbestos, and our office is working every day to keep people safe,” Healey said in a statement. “Our Healthy Buildings, Healthy Air Initiative is achieving real benefits for workers, residents, school communities and families.”

Asbestos Basics

Asbestos
is a mineral fiber that, for a long time, was commonly used in building materials, auto parts, and more. In the 1970s, however, asbestos was classified as a known human carcinogen—or, a substance capable of causing cancer in humans. Asbestos fibers can enter the human lungs and, over time, build up enough to cause serious health complications, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

While the approved uses of asbestos have been limited over the past few decades, many older buildings were built with asbestos-containing materials, and asbestos is still being imported and used. Though asbestos regulations have intensified over the years, the U.S. has not outlawed it, but more than 50 countries across the globe have.

Filing an Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer or another asbestos-related disease, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by a cancer diagnosis, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses and lost wages.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.