Asbestos lung cancer is a term that prompts an immediate sense of dread as one grapples with the devastating health implications it implies. Rooted in exposure to asbestos, this type of cancer has claimed numerous lives, impacting professions and sectors where asbestos use has historically been high. But who, exactly, is most at risk of developing lung cancer from asbestos?
We at Vogelzang Law are a team of dedicated, committed professional Asbestos lung cancer lawyers with extensive legal experience, singularly focused on asbestos and mesothelioma litigation. We are proud partners with victims and their families, working tirelessly to claim the compensation they rightly deserve. As we explore this topic, we hope to raise awareness, emphasize the urgency for safety measures, and, ultimately, guide victims toward the justice they rightfully deserve.
What Is Asbestos Lung Cancer?
Asbestos lung cancer is a serious and potentially fatal disease triggered by exposure to asbestos. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services classifies asbestos as a known human carcinogen—a substance that causes cancer.
When an individual inhales asbestos fibers, they can implant themselves within the lung tissue, leading to considerable damage over time. This damage can evolve into lung cancer. Unlike mesothelioma, which develops in the lining around the lung, asbestos lung cancer develops inside the lung itself.
Remarkably, asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma are two different diseases that share a common cause – asbestos exposure. Both are grave health conditions with their distinct symptomatology and effects on the body.
Symptoms of Asbestos Lung Cancer
Symptoms of asbestos lung cancer can be similar to other lung diseases and may include coughing, chest pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms often only become apparent when the cancer is in more advanced stages, mandating the need for vigilance in individuals with a history of asbestos exposure.
If left undiagnosed and untreated, asbestos lung cancer can become life-threatening. Early detection and prompt treatment often make a significant difference in managing the disease and enhancing patients’ longevity and quality of life.
High-Risk Occupations for Asbestos Exposure
Those most commonly affected by asbestosis and asbestos lung cancer are individuals whose occupations expose them to this hazardous substance. While asbestos use in many industries has significantly decreased due to stringent safety standards and regulations, certain occupations and industries still harbor a higher risk of asbestos exposure.
The construction industry, particularly in older buildings, is a primary source of asbestos exposure. Workers involved in renovations, demolitions, or old building maintenance can potentially come into contact with the material. As a result, construction workers are among the populations most heavily exposed to asbestos.
In addition to construction, other high-risk occupations include shipbuilding, oil refining, and several manufacturing jobs. Firefighters tackling old building fires are also at considerable risk. A historical and substantial risk has been in military service members, especially Navy veterans, due to the past widespread use of asbestos in military equipment and ships.
Pipefitters, who often worked with insulation materials containing asbestos, are another group that faced significant exposure in the past. Similarly, workers in power plants dealt with high-temperature equipment, often insulated with asbestos-containing materials.
Non-Occupational Asbestos Exposure
The risk of asbestos-induced lung cancer is intimately tied to occupations with high exposure levels. However, it’s important to note that risk does not end with these occupations; asbestos fibers can cling to work clothing and be brought home, endangering family members and potentially leading to diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer.
Several ways exist through which someone may be exposed to asbestos outside of occupational settings. One key way is through household exposure, or when asbestos workers may unknowingly bring home asbestos fibers on their clothing, hair, or tools, which can then expose family members in close proximity.
Another form of non-occupational exposure occurs in homes, buildings, or apartments containing asbestos materials. If these materials become damaged, for instance, during renovations, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled by residents living within those buildings. Here, the risk remains insidious since many are largely unaware of the dangers lurking within their own homes.
Environmental asbestos exposure can occur when individuals live near naturally occurring asbestos deposits or near asbestos mines, processing facilities, or factories. Wind, water runoff, or human activities can disperse asbestos fibers into the environment, increasing the risk of inhalation.
How the Duration and Intensity of Asbestos Exposure Affect Risk
A significant factor in the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases is the duration and intensity of asbestos exposure. Prolonged and high-intensity exposure tends to result in higher risks than occasional or brief exposure. However, no level of asbestos exposure is deemed safe, and even minimal exposure may result in disease development over time.
The severity of asbestos-induced diseases often directly correlates with the duration and intensity of exposure. In other words, the longer and more substantial the exposure, the more likely it is to result in severe health complications.
Furthermore, the latency period—meaning the time from initial exposure to the manifestation of disease symptoms—of conditions like mesothelioma is strongly influenced by the duration and intensity of exposure. Longer, more intense exposures often lead to shorter latency periods.
Another crucial factor is cumulative exposure, which considers both the duration and intensity of exposure over time. This cumulative effect can further heighten the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. Other factors, like smoking, can also interact with asbestos exposure, further increasing an individual’s risk.
Compounding Risk Factors That May Increase the Severity of Asbestos Lung Cancer
While asbestos exposure itself poses a significant threat to lung health, various compounding factors may increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing asbestos lung cancer.
Smoking is a prime example of a contributory risk factor. Its negative effects on lung health are well-documented, and when combined with asbestos exposure, the risk of developing lung cancer multiplies.
Pre-existing lung disease is another significant factor. Those with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or fibrosis already have lung damage that could be exacerbated by asbestos, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
Genetic predispositions can also play a role. Some individuals might possess genetic mutations, making them more susceptible to asbestos and prone to developing related diseases. Furthermore, continuous or elevated exposure to other pulmonary system carcinogens, such as nickel or hexavalent chromium, can contribute to an increased risk of lung disease development.
However, all of the above variables are only contributing risk factors when it comes to asbestos exposure and not the primary cause — asbestos.
Reach Out to the Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawyers at Vogelzang Law
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and are facing this distressing diagnosis, you have legal options and remedies available. At Vogelzang Law, we are here to handle the complexities of your asbestos litigation so you can focus on your health and family.
The pain and torment of an asbestos-related disease are undeniable. We acknowledge the anguish it brings to victims and their families, but we urge you not to carry your burden alone. Call us today at (312) 466-1669, and let us help you seek the compensation you deserve.
