It has become widely accepted that asbestos is a carcinogen, or substance capable of causing cancer. For decades, asbestos use has been heavily regulated because of this risk, but more and more plaintiffs are coming forward with claims of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. But not all exposure to asbestos is the same.

Is Short-Term Exposure to Asbestos Dangerous?

The length at which a person is exposed to asbestos factors greatly into the danger it poses. The more someone is exposed to asbestos, the higher the risk of resulting side effects.

Of course, that is not to say that one shouldn’t be cautious around even small amounts of the toxic substance for short periods of time—indeed, no amount of asbestos exposure is safe. But the risk increases dramatically over time, and is generally considered a major risk after many years of regular asbestos exposure at work. Long-term asbestos exposure is probably most common for those who are exposed in a contaminated workplace environment.

Short-term exposure to asbestos may, in some cases, also pose a risk—especially if a substantial amount of asbestos dust was inhaled at once. The amount of asbestos may have been substantial if the asbestos-containing product was damaged or crumbly, if the asbestos product was scraped, smashed, drilled or sawed, or if the area was poorly ventilated.

There is no immediate impact of asbestos exposure to worry about—it takes at least ten years for symptoms of an asbestos disease to show, if at all. For now, just let your doctors know about this event so it can be added to your medical history, and avoid asbestos in the future.

What is Secondhand Asbestos Exposure?

Even those who are never directly exposed to asbestos may, in certain circumstances, be at risk. Secondhand asbestos exposure can occur when toxic asbestos fibers are carried home on the clothes of a person who was exposed while at work. Unfortunately, secondhand asbestos exposure has also been linked with the risk of disease and death.

What are the Risks of Exposure to Asbestos?

Being exposed to asbestos carries with it a number of serious risks, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Noncancerous conditions associated with asbestos include asbestosis, pleural plaques, pleural effusion, diffuse pleural thickening, pleuritic, and atelectasis.

Unfortunately, because of the long latency period of asbestos diseases—20 years or more for cancers; at least ten for asbestosis—they are commonly diagnosed at later stages, which are typically more dangerous and difficult to treat.

Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered from cancer or another serious problem after exposure to asbestos, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. While filing a lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering caused by mesothelioma or other asbestos side effects, it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses, lost wages, family support and more.