Chitika
Minggu, 24 April 2011
Identifying Asbestos Symptoms
And quite honestly, it never hurts for the "average person" to be aware of the symptoms of asbestos exposure because there is always a chance that an environment, no matter how nice it may look on the outside, could be filled with asbestos due to a lack of care or upkeep of the property.
One needs to be very mindful of the fact that exposure to asbestos could lead to contracting mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can affect the heart, lungs, or abdomen. This is a highly aggressive form of cancer that spreads quite quickly. If not detected as soon as possible, it can spread to advanced stages rapidly. Without effective treatment or a proper diagnosis, it is doubtful the afflicted would last much longer than a year. Expiring after only a few months is not out of the question either.
Again, this is why a basic understanding of asbestos symptoms is a must. Here is a look at the most obvious of these symptoms....
Regardless of the particular region of the body the asbestos is afflicting two consistent symptoms would be weight loss and a loss of appetite. Obviously, these two symptoms alone would not automatically be considered indicators of a serious health disorder. But, if these two conditions are combined with other symptoms associated with asbestos exposure then a proverbial "red flag" must be raised.
Asbestos commonly impacts the lungs which mean various respiratory problems may arise when the lungs have been seriously irritated. Wheezing and shortness of breath would be a clear indication that something might be wrong with the lungs. If you are hearing a cracking type sound in the lungs when you inhale, this would be a serious indication a major problem is present. Those that are coughing blood will need to see a doctor immediately. Coughing blood would be a strong indication that the asbestos has led to lung cancer.
Abestos exposure can also impact the heart in a damaging way. Both heart and lung issues related to asbestos exposure could be indicated via chest tightness and chest pain. Chest pain is certainly not a symptom to take lightly. To seek qualified medical help when experiencing such pain would be well advised.
Abdominal problems related to asbestos symptoms would be evident in the stomach region. The most common of these symptoms would be severe swelling and pain in the abdominal region. A consistent high fever could be another common symptom to experience when suffering from asbestos induced abdominal issues. Bowel obstructions may also be common as would issues related to blood clotting. If left unchecked, abdominal related asbestos issues could lead to the onset of anemia.
When several symptoms are combined together this would be a greater indication that something serious is wrong. However, it is advisable not to make any assumptions about how serious or how un-serious the condition is based on own self-assessment. Doing so could prove disastrous since making assessments on one's own are not valid.
Only a qualified physician has the ability to make a proper diagnosis and would only do so after a batter of tests. Additionally, delaying a proper diagnosis can lead to any potential cancer spreading. With mesothelioma cancer, time is of the essence since the life expectancy for a person with untreated mesothelioma is very short. Once a correct diagnosis is made then appropriate treatment can be undertaken. Such treatment could likely prolong a person's life. Again, the quicker such treatment is performed the greater the odds it will be successful.
Never underestimate the severity of asbestos symptoms. What may seem like a "minor" problem could very well be a highly serious one...even a life threatening one. As such, the symptoms needed to be addressed immediately. Of course, prior to addressing the problem, it is necessary to identify the symptoms. This can only be done if you familiarize yourself with them.
Article Leigh White
6 Professions That May Have Exposed Workers To Asbestos Symptoms
There are six job categories that were particularly hazardous regarding asbestos exposure.
If you worked in the ship building industry between World War II and the Korean Conflict then it is a high probability that you were exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos. Since most of those ships used steam engines there was probably a lot of insulation for the boilers and pipes that used this material. It is also a strong possibility that the ship incinerators were insulated as well. The famous actor, Steve McQueen, attributed his mesothelioma to the years he served in the Marines removing dangerous insulation from ship pipes and boilers. When asbestos becomes air born it is known as "friable". No doubt many a ship builder was exposed to high levels of friable asbestos.
A second group of workers is often overlooked by those who study this disease and that group is custodians. Custodians usually work in older buildings where asbestos is very prevalent in walls, boilers and flooring. Most floor tiling made before 1978 contained asbestos and even the mastic that made the tiles stick to the floors. High speed burnishing has the capability of scraping asbestos off of floors and into the air. This is often over looked by attorneys and scientists.
A third group of asbestos symptom sufferers are fire fighters. A classic example would be the fire fighters who worked in rescue efforts after the twin towers collapsed in 2001. They were exposed to tons of debris and some of it was asbestos. This danger has existed for fire fighters for decades.
A fourth job category that was extremely vulnerable were plumbers and electricians. Every time a plumber or electrician had to break a hole in a wall or saw pipes that were asbestos insulated they became a victim of potential exposure. Most folks just don't think about the danger that lurks behind the repair jobs in older homes and businesses.
Group five and six are construction workers and factory workers. Certainly construction workers 30 years ago were inundated with asbestos in sheet rock, adhesives and plasters and factory workers were unknowingly placed in asbestos environments before its dangers were fully understood.
These workers are now experiencing the symptoms.
Asbestos was banned from production in 1975 but the diagnosis are soaring at an increasing rate because of the 30 to 50 year latency period. It is unfortunate that so many innocent and hard working people were in danger and didn't have a clue!
Identifying Asbestos Symptoms
And quite honestly, it never hurts for the "average person" to be aware of the symptoms of asbestos exposure because there is always a chance that an environment, no matter how nice it may look on the outside, could be filled with asbestos due to a lack of care or upkeep of the property.
One needs to be very mindful of the fact that exposure to asbestos could lead to contracting mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can affect the heart, lungs, or abdomen. This is a highly aggressive form of cancer that spreads quite quickly. If not detected as soon as possible, it can spread to advanced stages rapidly. Without effective treatment or a proper diagnosis, it is doubtful the afflicted would last much longer than a year. Expiring after only a few months is not out of the question either.
Again, this is why a basic understanding of asbestos symptoms is a must. Here is a look at the most obvious of these symptoms....
Regardless of the particular region of the body the asbestos is afflicting two consistent symptoms would be weight loss and a loss of appetite. Obviously, these two symptoms alone would not automatically be considered indicators of a serious health disorder. But, if these two conditions are combined with other symptoms associated with asbestos exposure then a proverbial "red flag" must be raised.
Asbestos commonly impacts the lungs which mean various respiratory problems may arise when the lungs have been seriously irritated. Wheezing and shortness of breath would be a clear indication that something might be wrong with the lungs. If you are hearing a cracking type sound in the lungs when you inhale, this would be a serious indication a major problem is present. Those that are coughing blood will need to see a doctor immediately. Coughing blood would be a strong indication that the asbestos has led to lung cancer.
Abestos exposure can also impact the heart in a damaging way. Both heart and lung issues related to asbestos exposure could be indicated via chest tightness and chest pain. Chest pain is certainly not a symptom to take lightly. To seek qualified medical help when experiencing such pain would be well advised.
Abdominal problems related to asbestos symptoms would be evident in the stomach region. The most common of these symptoms would be severe swelling and pain in the abdominal region. A consistent high fever could be another common symptom to experience when suffering from asbestos induced abdominal issues. Bowel obstructions may also be common as would issues related to blood clotting. If left unchecked, abdominal related asbestos issues could lead to the onset of anemia.
When several symptoms are combined together this would be a greater indication that something serious is wrong. However, it is advisable not to make any assumptions about how serious or how un-serious the condition is based on own self-assessment. Doing so could prove disastrous since making assessments on one's own are not valid.
Only a qualified physician has the ability to make a proper diagnosis and would only do so after a batter of tests. Additionally, delaying a proper diagnosis can lead to any potential cancer spreading. With mesothelioma cancer, time is of the essence since the life expectancy for a person with untreated mesothelioma is very short. Once a correct diagnosis is made then appropriate treatment can be undertaken. Such treatment could likely prolong a person's life. Again, the quicker such treatment is performed the greater the odds it will be successful.
Never underestimate the severity of asbestos symptoms. What may seem like a "minor" problem could very well be a highly serious one...even a life threatening one. As such, the symptoms needed to be addressed immediately. Of course, prior to addressing the problem, it is necessary to identify the symptoms. This can only be done if you familiarize yourself with them.
Article Leigh_White
Rabu, 06 April 2011
Asbestos Cancer Exposure and Effects
Asbestos cancer is brought on by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that can be separated into thin threads. Asbestos fibers resist heat and fire and for this reason, have been utilized in numerous items that need to be resistant to heat and fire such as brake pads, gaskets and pumps. Regrettably, nevertheless, asbestos-containing goods can result in asbestos cancer.
Asbestos cancer: The types
There are distinct sorts of asbestos cancer. They incorporate lung cancer and mesothelioma. There are two varieties of lung cancer:
Tiny cell lung cancer (SCLC) and
Non-tiny cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Modest cell lung cancer is the much less typical form of lung cancer and constitutes about 20% of lung cancer situations. Modest cell lung cancer occurs practically exclusively in cigarette smokers. It is the more aggressive kind of lung cancer and by the time it is diagnosed, it has normally spread to numerous locations of the physique.
Non-modest cell lung cancer is the most widespread type of lung cancer occurring in about 80% of lung cancer cases. Non-tiny cell lung cancer can have different causes such as asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is also a type of asbestos cancer. It impacts the mesothelium, which is the membrane that covers the body’s internal organs. The mesothelium creates a fluid to allow organs to glide against adjacent structures. The peritoneum is the mesothelium that covers organs inside the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the mesothelium that covers the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium is the mesothelium that surrounds the heart.
Varieties of mesothelioma:
Pleural mesothelioma
The pleura is the lining of the sacs of the chest. A cancer of this lining is recognized as pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most widespread form of mesothelioma. Some signs of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain and cough.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
The peritoneum is the lining of the abdomen. A cancer of the abdominal lining is identified as peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less typical than pleural mesothelioma. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction and nausea.
How does asbestos lead to the advancement of cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma?
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can grow to be trapped in the body’s internal organs such as the lungs. Asbestos fibers can remain inside of lung tissue for a lifetime. Asbestos fibers within the body can trigger chemical reactions that can lead to the improvement of asbestos cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos cancers normally have a lengthy latency period, i.e., they can build decades right after exposure to asbestos has taken place.
Who is at risk for asbestos cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma?
Folks who work with asbestos-containing products are at the highest risk of developing asbestos cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Due to the fact asbestos was used in numerous goods, several workers are at danger of building asbestos cancers. Some workers who are at danger contain:
Mechanics
Carpenters
Shipyard workers
Welders
Construction workers
In addition, the household members of people who perform with asbestos merchandise are also at danger of building asbestos cancer simply because of secondary asbestos exposure. Secondary asbestos exposure occurs due to the fact asbestos fibers can cling to the clothing of folks who work with asbestos merchandise. When these workers come residence, their household members can inhale these fibers and build asbestos cancers decades later.
Asbestos Cancer: Therapy options
Lung cancer remedy
Treatment possibilities for lung cancer rely largely on the sort of lung cancer and on the stage of the cancer. Remedy strategies for lung cancer include:
Surgery – this treatment strategy involves cutting away the lung cancer tumor. Surgery is powerful when the cancer has not spread beyond the lung. Surgical procedures for lung cancer are:
Thoracotomy – surgery performed by means of the chest wall
Median sternotomy – entails cutting via the breastbone
Anterior limited thoractomy – carried out on the front location of the chest
Anterioraxillary thoractomy – performed on the front portion of the chest near the underarm
Posterolateral thoracotomy – performed on the rear of the trunk
Photodynamic therapy – is the treatment strategy that is employed when surgery is not feasible. It involves the use of a particular variety of light to kill cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma treatment
Treatment techniques for the asbestos cancer mesothelioma contain:
Surgery – this process typically involves removing component of the lining of the chest or the abdomen. The lining of the chest is removed if the cancer is pleural mesothelioma. The lining of the abdomen is removed if the cancer is peritoneal mesothelioma. In some cases, an whole lung may have to be removed. Also, occasionally the diaphragm (the muscle below the lungs) is removed.
Radiation therapy – entails the use of light rays to kill cancer cells and lessen tumor size. This treatment strategy is only successful for the area of the physique that is subjected to radiation. External radiation treatment entails radiation that comes from a machine. Internal radiation treatment entails the insertion of substances that make radiation by means of tubes to the region exactly where cancer cells exist.
Chemotherapy – involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma are usually administered by intravenous injection.
Immunotherapy – entails manipulating the immune technique so that it attacks cancer cells. Commonly, the human immune technique does not kill mesothelioma cancer cells simply because it does not know that the cancer cells are harmful. In a variety of immunotherapy acknowledged as active immunotherapy, mesothelioma cancer cells are removed and converted into a vaccine. The vaccine is then injected into the patient. The hope is that the patient’s immune method will acknowledge the vaccine as harmful and as a result acknowledge mesothelioma cancer as damaging as well.
For further data Contact Andrew Calcagno, Esq. at andrew@nynjlaw.net
Minggu, 20 Februari 2011
Where does content pharmacist in the medical status? Where does content pharmacist in the medical status?
Pharmacists, physicians in the distribution of drugs involved in licensed patients. In addition, educating patients about the dose and the associated reactions to a particular drug. A pharmacist must be an expert in calculating doses of medications so much of the responsibility that comes with running. Although the pharmacist is an expert in composition, preparation, storage and distribution of drugs and medicines, the pharmacist changes the direction and development in areas such as drug therapy for the patient and the interactions of these drugs are and their side effects, development of diabetes patient to inject insulin, helping to treat patients with high blood pressure, and pressure on certain diseases such as colds, flu and treat skin irritation ... etc. They also offer community health programs, such as promoting blood pressure and cholesterol tests, and health issues such as healthy diet and exercise. Pharmacists must earn a pharmacy degree buy from an accredited college or a school of pharmacy and a license to work as a pharmacist.
A career as a pharmacist is economically worthwhile. As more and more experienced pharmacist, wages will increase. The standard base wage for a pharmacist is about $ 80,000. After many years as a pharmacist, can wages be more than $ 100,000. Salary vary depending on the industry, which employs the pharmacist. Pharmacists can be used in pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, pharmacies, chain ... etc. The highest salaries are in the field of pharmacy. In addition, pharmacists often have special incentives for those who accept a job are given. These incentives can be a bonus up to be $ 15,000. The loans usually come with a contract in which the pharmacist for a particular purpose for a number of years maintained
Pharmacists are dedicated to achieving the requirements of health care for their patients. The pharmacy is a profession that is expanding in new directions to meet the needs of health care for all members of the community. The pharmacist is involved in a wide range of roles in a community health and is a career that grows a variety of medical fields. For example, a quarter of the pharmacists working in hospitals and pharmacists to work now for many pharmaceutical companies in drug development.
Pharmacists play a key role in the community and play an important role as an educator in public. A career as a pharmacist is a financially and personally rewarding for many opportunities for those who like to meet the health needs of the community.
Kamis, 02 Desember 2010
Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit
If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Even after you contact us, you do not have to choose a Simmons firm employee as your mesothelioma attorney should you decide to move forward with an asbestos lawsuit.
* How does a mesothelioma lawsuit work?
* How much will it cost for you to investigate my claim?
* How much will it cost for you to represent me?
* How much can I expect to receive through a mesothelioma lawsuit?
* How long can I wait to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
* How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit last?
* I've been exposed to asbestos, but I do not have symptoms of any asbestos-related disease yet. Can I file a lawsuit?
* Can I file an asbestos lawsuit on behalf of a deceased family member?
* I noticed that you are based in Illinois, but I do not live there. Why should I hire you instead of a law firm closer to my home?
* Whom should I file my asbestos lawsuit against?
* Will my mesothelioma lawsuit be filed in my state?
* Will I have to travel?
* Will I have to testify at trial?
* Will my case be part of a class action?
How does a mesothelioma lawsuit work?
When you first come to the Simmons firm, one of our mesothelioma lawyers will sit down with you to discuss your potential case. If you are a good candidate for a mesothelioma lawsuit, we will file all necessary paperwork against the defendant and start the discovery period. During this time, both you and the defendant will be questioned as lawyers prepare for trial. Many times, a settlement is reached either at the end of the discovery period or during the early phases of the trial. If a case goes through the entire trial process, it will receive a jury verdict that could be appealed by the defendant..
How much will it cost for you to investigate my claim?
Nothing. The minute you contact us, we will begin investigating your asbestos claim at no cost to you or your family. Typically, one of our investigators or attorneys will call or visit you to gather information about you, your family, and work history. After we have sufficient information, we decide if we can recommend filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. This is of no financial cost to you.
How much will it cost for you to represent me?
Again, nothing. There is no financial risk on your part in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. The Simmons firm represents clients on a “contingency” basis, which means that we will only collect a fee if and when you collect a settlement. A mesothelioma attorney will meet with you to go over these matters in detail.
How much can I expect to receive through a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Recovery results truly vary per client. The amount you receive from your mesothelioma lawsuit depends on a variety of factors including whether your case gets a settlement or a jury verdict. To get a better idea about what compensation you can expect through a mesothelioma lawsuits, please contact one of our lawyers.
How long can I wait to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
While each case is unique, the law imposes certain time limitations on how long one can wait to file a mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit until it is “too late.” These are called “statutes of limitations.” Essentially, an individual only has a certain period of time after they are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease in which to file their asbestos claim. As a result, we advise that you contact us immediately so that we can evaluate your case.
How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit last?
Mesothelioma lawsuits can take time, especially when they are being filed in a busy court system or they require extra investigation. Your Simmons firm mesothelioma attorney will work hard to expedite your case, but please understand that he may need extra time to make sure you get the best settlement possible.
I've been exposed to asbestos, but I do not have symptoms of any asbestos-related diseases yet. Can I file a lawsuit?
Even if you can prove you’ve been exposed to asbestos, you must have an asbestos-related disease to file a lawsuit. If you have been exposed to asbestos, schedule regular checkups to let a doctor monitor you for symptoms of asbestos diseases, since these diseases are much more treatable when caught early.
Can I file an asbestos lawsuit on behalf of a deceased family member?
In many states, a family member can file a wrongful death suit on behalf of a loved one. Because statute of limitation laws strictly govern the amount of time you have to file one of these suits, you should discuss any potential legal action with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Why should I hire you instead of a firm closer to my home?
Although the Simmons firm is a law firm based in Illinois, we have represented individuals and families affected by mesothelioma from all across the country, recovering millions of dollars in the process.*
Whom should I file my asbestos lawsuit against?
In order to get the most out of your asbestos lawsuit, it is imperative that you file against the right defendant. By learning more about your situation, our asbestos lawyers can help you decide whom you should file against. Even if you don’t know where you were exposed to asbestos, our lawyers can investigate the cause for you.
Will my mesothelioma lawsuit be filed in my state?
Your asbestos lawsuit may not be filed in your home state because we want to file your case in the state that will provide the best chance of success. For example, if you were exposed to asbestos by a company with its headquarters in another state, we may file your lawsuit in the state of the company’s headquarters. Filing in another state will not cost you any extra money, and it can only provide a better chance for success.
Will I have to travel?
Our attorneys and investigators are happy to travel to see you. Though we cannot guarantee that you will not have to travel, in most instances it is unlikely that you will need to leave the area in which you live.
Will I have to testify at trial?
We prepare every case as if we are going to trial. However, some of our mesothelioma cases settle out of court without going through a trial. In the event that a trial does occur, our mesothelioma attorneys are trained to make this process as easy on you and your family as possible.
Will my case be part of a mesothelioma class action?
No. Class action lawsuits are reserved for scenarios in which a group of individuals are injured in substantially the same manner. Since asbestos-related diseases manifest themselves differently in each affected individual, it is our belief that such claims are not proper for class actions. We handle all mesothelioma lawsuits on an individual basis so that you receive the settlement that you deserve.
http://www.simmonsfirm.com/practices-info-filing-an-asbestos-lawsuit.html
Kamis, 25 November 2010
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Cancer
Many asbestos cancer experts, attorneys, and mesothelioma sufferers view asbestos as a material developed and used only in the 19th century. But in fact, asbestos was first discovered and named by the ancient Greeks. In this article, we will examine the facts of asbestos use throughout the ages. We will see what was known about the dangers of asbestos cancer, and when mesothelioma and asbestosis began to be recognized as the tragic illnesses they are known to be today.
Asbestos And Mesothelioma: From The Ancient World To The 21st Century
In ancient Rome, asbestos fibers were uses to make clothing flame retardant. In Greece, the fibers were used to make other textiles. In Persia, garments were prized for their ability to be cleaned over a fire, instead of with water. In China, Marco Polo describes similar items that were "washed" by being dropped into flames. These clothes could only have been made from asbestos. After the fall of the Roman Empire and the fade of the great empires of the east, the use of asbestos seemed to stop.
As of 1860, asbestos had appeared again across the United States and Canada, mostly used as insulation within buildings. In 1879, the first commercial asbestos mine appeared in Canada, just outside of Quebec. By the turn of the century, asbestos use was much more common: flame-resistant coatings, concrete, flooring, roofing, acid resistant materials, and lawn furniture all had asbestos components.
With the rise of asbestos use came the first recorded death as a result of mesothelioma asbestos cancer. In 1906, an asbestos miner died of asbestos cancer, but his cause of death was not established until later. However, further instances of mesothelioma -- still diagnosed as an unknown lung disorder -- were observed throughout the early 20th century, particularly in asbestos mining towns.
Libby, Montana is a modern example of a mining town contaminated with asbestos. The EPA has been attempting to clean up Libby for 10 years, but 200 people thus far have died from asbestos exposure, with over 1,000 sickened. The town was contaminated by a nearby vermiculite mine, its residents threatened by waste products and discarded materials from mining operations.
The town of Libby has been stricken by asbestos contamination despite modern day interventions. In the early days, before mesothelioma was recognized or asbestos poisoning considered, towns were even more dramatically impacted. Yet even now, when the dangers of asbestos, as well as its links with mesothelioma, are clear, company negligence still goes unpunished. The company responsible for the mine that contaminated Libby was recently acquitted in a trial centered around the deaths in the town. The mining company will face no penalty, despite the hundreds of asbestos poisoning deaths and thousands of asbestos-related illnesses in Libby.
The First Diagnosis Of Asbestos Cancer, Asbestosis, And Mesothelioma
In 1924, a doctor in England recognized the pattern of illness and made the first diagnosis of asbestos cancer. At the time, it was called asbestosis and the existence of mesothelioma remained unknown. Nonetheless, the initial diagnosis created a wave of laws about asbestos handling -- at least in England. The United Kingdom began regulating ventilation and established asbestosis as an "excusable work related disease" in the 1930s. The United States did not take the same measures until nearly 10 years later.
Around 1930, the medical community was beginning to investigate mesothelioma, at that time a new disease with strange symptoms and little information. They could only observe the symptoms: coughing, shortness of breath, and generalized chest/lung pain. Mesothelioma was not connected to asbestos nor suggested as asbestos cancer until 1940.
What Did Companies Know About The Hazards Of Asbestos Exposure?
The basis of mesothelioma and asbestos cancer legislation is that many asbestos companies knew the material was dangerous, but did not protect workers and customers from these known dangers. Court documents have shown that companies began to learn about asbestos related health hazards as early as 1930, but despite this knowledge, they did nothing to keep workers or consumers safe. Instead, they allowed asbestos use to grow even as diagnoses of mesothelioma and asbestos cancer grew as well.
Although limited through a lawsuit, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a rule in 1989 that allows only trace amounts of asbestos to appear in modern building materials. Even though lingering asbestos contamination remains and threatens citizens, the modern world now recognizes the dangers of asbestos and no longer uses it as a primary material.
The Dangers Of Natural Asbestos
Although asbestos exposure occurs most commonly through contact with asbestos mines or products made from asbestos, there are also a shockingly large number of so-called asbestos "occurrences" throughout the U.S. These sites are not commonly monitored by the EPA, nor has much been done to clean them up or protect surrounding communities.
An asbestos "occurrence" is defined as a place where asbestos has been observed, but not mined or prospected for mining. These veins of asbestos can be shallow enough that asbestos dust rises into the air, making the name "occurrences" misleading - they're more like "hazards." There are 205 such documented occurrences throughout the eastern part of the U.S., and most of these have been discovered through anecdotal evidence rather than active surveys. The government has helped to clean up commercial asbestos use, but they have done little to control the dangers of exposure to the material in its natural state. Even when not manufactured or milled, asbestos and its fibers can cause mesothelioma, asbestos cancer, asbestos poisoning, and all the other horrific conditions that can result from the disease.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Cancer Today
Although asbestos has been regulated for 20 years, mesothelioma lawsuits are still being filed today because of the long incubation period of the disease. The cancer frequently requires 20-50 years between exposure and the manifestation of symptoms, meaning that many workers who handled asbestos during the height of its use are only just starting to show symptoms. Sadly, the numbers of lawsuits are only expected to increase. Asbestos cancer is tragic, and has been tragic throughout history. But today we can fight back against the companies that failed to protect us, and we can know that the world is safer for our children.
Joe Belluck is a top malignant mesothelioma attorney and founder of mesothelioma law firm Belluck & Fox, LLP. He has worked on hundreds of asbestos cancer lawsuits.
=Joe_Belluck