Mesothelioma cancer is a dangerous and even deadly disease, and is often caused by exposure to asbestos. Nearly 40,000 Americans died due to asbestos exposure in 2016 alone, according to the International Commission of Occupational Health.

While long-term exposure to asbestos poses the most significant risk, short-term exposure may still lead to some serious health complications. If you or someone you love has suffered from mesothelioma, you may be able to file an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit and pursue compensation.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral found in rocks and soil that, for a long period of time, was widely used in materials for construction, automobiles, and textiles. However, in working with asbestos, asbestos fibers can be released into the air in tiny pieces and build up in your lungs, leading to some serious health complications.

Asbestos has been classified as a carcinogen—that is, a substance capable of causing cancer. Asbestos exposure has been linked with lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. For those who smoke, asbestos may pose even more of a risk. Malignant mesothelioma can take up to 20 years for symptoms to emerge, and treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. In 2020, the FDA also approved a new immunotherapy treatment for pleural mesothelioma.

Can Short-Term Asbestos Exposure Be Dangerous?

Long-term exposure to asbestos is more likely to cause mesothelioma. Repeated exposure—especially in larger amounts—in turn increases the risk of mesothelioma. The majority of asbestos diseases come after repeated exposure over a period of many years.

Short-term exposure to asbestos can still be a health risk, though the likelihood is lower. Still, mesothelioma from a single exposure is a possibility, especially in instances where a person is exposed to large quantities of asbestos for a short period of time.

For instance, during the 9/11 attacks, huge amounts of harmful toxins, including asbestos, were released into the air at and surrounding Ground Zero. Now, years later, a growing number of first responders, victims, and others present near Ground Zero on 9/11 and in the aftermath are being diagnosed with mesothelioma and a slew of other cancers.

Short-term exposure in light amounts is much less of a risk, but it is important to note that since asbestos exposure is cumulative, repeated short-term exposures can actually add up.

Isn’t Asbestos Banned?

Though many believe this known carcinogen is banned in the United States, the substance has not been subject to an outright ban in reality. Further, changes to how asbestos is regulated have reportedly opened up new uses to American companies.

After warnings in the 1970s that asbestos can cause cancer, including mesothelioma from a single exposure, advocates have reportedly tried to pass a law that would ban asbestos. A 2019 PBS News Hour report noted that despite trying for decades, these groups were unsuccessful. However, agency regulations restricted many uses of the substance, reducing the chance that everyday Americans would be exposed to asbestos.

In Oct. 1991, things changed however. According to PBS, a court ruling vacated environmental regulations that worked to restrict the use of asbestos and, as a result, companies became able to import and manufacture products made with the substance.

The pendulum has reportedly swung even further to allow the use of asbestos in American products. Asbestos ban advocates say that the Environmental Protection Agency is mulling changes to its rules that would further expand asbestos use in the country. Currently, asbestos can be used in roofing and fire proofing materials, as well as friction products and other items.

Under the revised rules, advocates say that the known carcinogen could also be used in adhesives and sealants, beater-add gaskets, millboard, floor tile, and other building materials. PBS reported that the agency says the proposed rules actually close loopholes in current asbestos restrictions; however, critics contend that a reading of the revised regulations would lead to increased use of the material.

Can I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure—even very limited exposure—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 mesothelioma, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be daunting and the litigation process complicated, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced asbestos mesothelioma attorney. An attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.