Basics.
Asbestos is a type of mineral that has been used in insulation because of its natural resistance to fire. Over the years, however, asbestos leaks from the insulation as dust, which, when inhaled, deposits itself in the lungs. Acting as a carcinogen, asbestos can cause or be related to several illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis (a fibrous scaring of the lungs), and mesothelioma (a malignant cancer that forms in the chest or abdomen).
Am I at risk?
Asbestos, like all carcinogens, is usually harmless when inhaled in small amounts; however, people directly working with Asbestos on a regular basis or people working in an area containing concentrated amounts of Asbestos in the environment are at a high risk. High risk jobs include/included shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and other asbestos products, insulation work in the construction and building trades, brake repair, and a variety of other trades. Demolition workers, drywall removers, and firefighters also may be exposed to asbestos dust. Walls insulated with Asbestos, however, will not leak Asbestos dust unless the insulation is disturbed through say construction.
There have been cases were people have reacted violently to small dosages of Asbestos, but the risk of developing an Asbestos related disease is usually secluded to people who have had a long exposure to high levels of asbestos. Asbestos levels vary depending on the concentration of fibers in the air, the duration of exposure, the person's breathing rate (workers doing manual labor breathe more air), weather conditions, and protective devices the person might be wearing (an air mask would decrease inhalation of asbestos). These worker’s families may also be at risk because Asbestos may have traveled into the family home through the clothes of the worker.
Thankfully, many people who were in contact with Asbestos will not experience any effects. The important point to remember is that generally Asbestos related injuries occur in workers who were exposed to high levels of Asbestos. On top of this, workers working with Asbestos currently follow strict rules set forth by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency's "Worker Protection Rule".
Smokers are 90 times more likely to develop lung cancer if they are exposed to Asbestos. Please, for the sake of your life, if you are/or have been in contact with Asbestos, quit smoking now.
What illnesses are attributed to Asbestos?
* Mesothelioma is a rare, malignant form of cancer found in the membranes of the lungs, chest, and abdomen. Mesothelioma is primarily caused by Asbestos exposure, and a person who has developed Mesothelioma should seriously consider filing a personal injury suit. Studies show that workers who have worked in/or work in Asbestos mines or mills, shipyards or factories that use Asbestos, or those who have manufactured or installed Asbestos insulation are at an increased risk for Mesothelioma. Studies have also shown that children who have been in contact with Asbestos have a higher chance of developing Mesothelioma.
* Lung Cancer has also been attributed to Asbestos. Again, people who have worked in/or work in Asbestos mines or mills, shipyards or factories that use Asbestos, or those who have manufactured or installed Asbestos insulation are at an increased risk for Lung Cancer. On top of this Smokers are almost 90 times more likely to develop lung cancer if they are exposed to Asbestos. Please, for the sake of your life, if you are/or have been in contact with Asbestos, quit smoking now.
* Asbestosis is a life threatening, chronic, non-cancerous respiratory disease. Asbestosis is caused when Asbestos dust lodges in the lungs, eventually creating scar tissue. People who suffer from Asbestosis may experience shortness of breath or a dry crackling sound while breathing. Sadly, there is no treatment for Asbestosis, and it is almost always disabling or fatal. People at highest risk for Asbestosis are those who are/or were in high contact with Asbestos dust, such as construction workers.
Who is at fault?
This information may be found in the personal injury info page here.
How much can I collect?
This information may also be found in the personal injury info page here.
Important: Can I still file a claim?
Most people who have suffered/or suffer from injuries related to toxic substances (Asbestos in this case) did not know that the toxic substance was a health risk when they were exposed to the substance. To counter this, several states have created statutes that allow people to still file a claim for a predetermined time after the injury due to a toxic substance was detected. For more information on this topic, talk to your lawyer.
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