The federal government has set limits on the use of asbestos in the workplace due to the serious health risks it poses. However, researchers say no level of asbestos exposure is safe.
Asbestos, a fibrous mineral once widely used commercially in construction and insulating materials, is a known human carcinogen according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency forming part of the World Health Organization of the United Nations.
If you have mesothelioma, you must talk to an experienced Chicago mesothelioma lawyer. Whether you remember asbestos exposure or not, you might be eligible for compensation. Contact Vogelzang Law for a free consultation. We’re here to listen and assist you.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in rock and soil. It has been mined and used commercially in North America since the late 1800s due to its durability and fire resistance. These properties of asbestos made it the material of choice in roofing shingles, floor tiles, ceiling materials, cement compounds, textile products, and automotive parts.
However, exposure to this toxic mineral is scientifically linked to a number of lung and respiratory conditions, including mesothelioma, which is why at least 60 countries ban asbestos and the U.S. strictly regulates it.
Who Is at Greatest Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
Those at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure are individuals who work in industries or occupations where they come into contact with asbestos-containing materials.
Occupations that historically had a higher risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Construction workers
- Shipyard workers
- Factory workers
- Miners
- Demolition crews
- HVAC technicians
- Auto mechanics
- Power plant workers
Family members of workers exposed to asbestos are also at risk for secondary asbestos exposure and, as such, at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
What Increases the Risk of Cancer After Asbestos Exposure
The risk of cancer after asbestos exposure depends on:
- How much asbestos you were exposed to
- The length or amount of time you were exposed
- How long since your exposure
- The age of your exposure
Smoking history is also a risk factor for mesothelioma. Smoking and asbestos exposure together increase the risk of lung cancer.
The type of asbestos you were exposed to may also play a role in mesothelioma risk. Asbestos is classified into two mineral groups. Serpentine asbestos, or chrysotile, is the most commonly used type of asbestos. It has curly, flexible fibers and was often used in construction materials, roofing, and ceiling tiles. Amphibole asbestos has thin, straight fibers, and was also used in insulation boards, pipe insulation, and other construction materials.
All types of asbestos have been linked to cancer and mesothelioma. Because of the amphibole’s thin, straight design, its fibers are retained in the lung longer than serpentine fibers.
Several studies suggest that amphibole asbestos types (tremolite, amosite, and especially crocidolite) may contribute more to mesothelioma than serpentine.
How Long After Asbestos Exposure Is Cancer or Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
The average time from exposure to cancer development (latency period) is 20 to 30 years for lung cancer. However, studies have shown that workers with one to 12 months of exposure had an increased risk of developing lung cancer a number of years later.
Lung cancer was also reported in household contacts and family members of asbestos workers. This secondary asbestos exposure is presumably from exposure to asbestos carried home on work clothes.
Mesothelioma, an aggressive and usually fatal cancer, is relatively rare in the general population but is often observed in asbestos workers and sometimes in family/household members.
Studies have found strong associations between exposure to asbestos fibers and the development of mesothelioma. For mesothelioma, the latency is generally 30 to 40 years, with the longer periods seen in cases with lower asbestos exposure levels.
Similar to lung cancer, several studies have indicated that the risk of mesothelioma after asbestos exposure depends on the time since exposure (latency), with the risk increasing exponentially with time after about 10 years.
Early studies indicated that diagnosis of mesothelioma was fatal within a short period of time (often within months). However, other studies indicate that exposure intensity (amount) may influence survival time after diagnosis. Some scientists believe that early identification and intervention of mesothelioma may increase survival.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, an estimated 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States. The disease is most often seen in men and, most commonly, in White and Hispanic people. The average age of diagnosis is 72.
What are the Types of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells, found in certain organs’ lining, most commonly the lungs and the chest cavity.
Doctors categorize the types of mesothelioma based on the location where the cancer originates:
- Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common type and occurs in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). It is often linked to asbestos exposure and can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: This type develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is also associated with asbestos exposure and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, and changes in bowel habits.
- Pericardial mesothelioma: This is a rare type that originates in the lining surrounding the heart (pericardium). Symptoms might include chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and difficulty breathing.
- Testicular mesothelioma: This is an extremely rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the testicles. It typically presents as a mass or swelling in the testicle.
In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is known to be linked to several other diseases, such as:
- Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and cause scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring can lead to breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, and an increased risk of respiratory infections.
- Lung cancer: Long-term exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer. This risk is particularly elevated in individuals who are also smokers. Symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer can include persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
- Pleural plaques: Pleural plaques are areas of thickened, calcified tissue that form on the pleura, the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. These plaques are typically benign and might not cause symptoms, but they indicate past asbestos exposure.
- Diffuse pleural thickening: This condition involves the widespread thickening and scarring of the pleura due to asbestos exposure. It can cause lung function impairment, leading to symptoms like chest pain and breathing difficulties.
- Asbestos-related pleural effusion: Pleural effusion occurs when excess fluid accumulates between the layers of the pleura. This can be caused by inflammation due to asbestos exposure. It can lead to chest pain and breathing problems.
- Bronchial cancer: Asbestos exposure has also been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer in the air passages (bronchi) of the lungs.
All types of mesothelioma are primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral once widely used in construction, insulation, and other industries. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, can become lodged in the body’s tissues and lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
What Should I Do if Doctors Diagnose Me With Mesothelioma?
A mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing, not only for the person with the disease but for their loved ones as well.
If doctors diagnosed you or a loved one with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease:
- Consult a specialist: Seek out a medical oncologist or a healthcare team experienced in treating mesothelioma. They will provide you with detailed information about your diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis.
- Understand your diagnosis: You must fully understand the type, stage, and extent of your mesothelioma. Ask your medical team to explain your diagnosis in detail, including the potential treatment options and their associated risks and benefits.
- Explore treatment options: Treatment approaches for mesothelioma might include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. Your medical team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Get a second opinion: It can be valuable to seek a second opinion from another specialist or treatment center to fully inform you about your options and develop an accurate and appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Consider clinical trials: Clinical trials test new treatments or combinations of treatments. Participating in a clinical trial might offer you access to cutting-edge therapies.
- Find a support network: Mesothelioma can be emotionally and physically challenging. Build a strong support network of family, friends, and support groups to help you navigate the journey.
- Nutrition and wellness: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and regular exercise, can support your overall well-being and potentially enhance your response to treatment.
- Stay informed: Stay informed about new developments in mesothelioma research and treatment. Medical advancements are ongoing, and new treatment options may become available.
- Legal and financial considerations: If your mesothelioma stems from asbestos exposure, consult a legal professional with experience handling asbestos-related cases. You could recover compensation to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer from Vogelzang Law
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, you probably have many questions about how you got sick. Whether or not you remember if or when you were exposed to asbestos, it’s a good idea to discuss your case with a mesothelioma & asbestos lawyer experienced in handling mesothelioma claims. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
The mesothelioma lawyers at Vogelzang Law want to hear your story and tell you how we can help. Contact us today through our online form or at (312) 466-1669 for your free and confidential consultation.
