How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma and Other Diseases?
Asbestos Contractor
After a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, he or she may look back wondering at what time and place exposure could have happened and will need an asbestos contractor Los Angeles, CA trusts. For most, this exposure can be linked back to an unsafe workplace environment, before stricter regulations were set in place to protect people from absorbing asbestos fibers. Here we have talked further about what exactly asbestos is, how it can contribute to the development of an illness overtime, and whether your situation may call for a lawsuit.
For more information about taking legal action against a past employer or another party for asbestos exposure, consider meeting with a legal professional in your area.
Q: What is asbestos?
A: Asbestos in a mineral fiber found in the natural world, that was once prized for its ability to resist heat, chemical damage, and electrical damage. Asbestos is comprised of millions of small fibers that can only be seen under a microscope. When broken apart, asbestos dust can permeate the air and become inhaled by anyone nearby. When these fibers are breathed in, they can become stuck and cause a buildup of scar tissue to accumulate on the lungs.
Q: What happens after asbestos is inhaled or ingested over time?
A: Asbestos can eventually cause lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases. It is through regular exposure to asbestos over the course of time that causes this accumulation in the body system. Fibers are easily transferable through the air, and can get stuck onto clothing or tools. A person who has been exposed to asbestos at work, may unknowingly put others at-risk for secondary exposure by coming into contact with their clothing.
Q: How many products have asbestos?
A: Asbestos had been used in thousands of industrial products during the 1900-1980’s, including roofing, floor tiles, textured paints, coating, furnace insulation and piping. The United States banned the use of asbestos in certain products at the end of the 1980’s. However, this doesn’t mean that all consumer products are free of asbestos material. There are still a number of products that may have a small amount of asbestos fibers as an ingredient.
Q: How is mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure?
A: Asbestos is strongly linked to many serious diseases, the most critical being malignant mesothelioma. This is an aggressive type of cancer that impacts the lining of the abdomen, heart, lungs, and other organs. Malignant mesothelioma may not develop for many, many years after the initial exposure to asbestos. Anyone who believe they have been exposed to asbestos, may want to visit their doctor for an examination and testing.
Q: What if I am a victim of asbestos exposure?
A: The number of lawsuits have drastically increased over recent decades, as a result of hazardous exposure prior to when regulations were established. If you are a victim of asbestos exposure and suffer from a related health condition, you can talk with an attorney about your legal options.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Nielsen Environmental for their insight into mesothelioma and other diseases.