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Asbestos is a mineral, naturally occurring in a chainlike crystalline structure and it is usually found mixed into other minerals. Asbestos has been mined and used for over 100 years while its extraction reached the highest level from 1950 until the mid 70's. Numerous products such as insulation material, automotive brakes or wallboard once contained the mineral. In the 1970’s, however, the federal government suspended the production of most asbestos products.
If you, or anybody you know has been exposed to asbestos or suffers asbestos exposure related injuries, click here for a free evaluation of your case
Health Effects
Asbestosis is known as a scarring of the lungs, leading to breathing problems as well as heart failure after exposure to asbestos. The greater the exposure, the greater are the risks of developing this asbestos-related disease. Workers who are greatly exposed will develop symptoms of increased breathlessness, coughing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. After a certain period of time the workers may experience damages to the lung, resulting in respiratory (breathing) failure. Because the oxygen supply to the body is now insufficient the patient will be constantly out of breath and have a blue-tinged skin even when at rest. Once this stage has been reached recovery is impossible and death inevitable.
Asbestos can also cause a rare cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen lining, called Mesothelioma. The time frame between exposure and the first signs might be as much as 30 years, while smokers have a much greater chance of developing lung cancer.
Pleural Mesothelioma in its earliest form may resemble viral pneumonia
Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or back pain
- Persistent cough
- A hoarse or husky voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever and sweating
- General fatigue
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
Peritoneal Mesothelioma primarily affects the lining of the abdominal cavity
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- General fatigue
- Diarrhea or constipation
Asbestos-related Hot Topics include:
- Vermiculite
- Asbestos in schools
- Asbestos in your home
- EPA contacts
- Laws and regulations
If you think that you or any body you know may have been exposed to any amount of loose asbestos in any degree, no matter how long ago, see your doctor. No matter where you live, if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Asbestosis or Mesothelioma, and you would like for us to provide a free evaluation of your potential claim please contact us today.
Click here for a free evaluation of your case.
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Facts About Asbestos
