Can Teenagers Be Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma occurs because of asbestos exposure. The people at significant risk of developing mesothelioma are those whose jobs expose them to asbestos, such as construction workers. Also, often such people develop mesothelioma later in life. This is because mesothelioma has a long latency period. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after asbestos exposure. However, if you are wondering if teenagers can be diagnosed with mesothelioma, the answer is yes, they can. While mesothelioma among teenagers is rare, there have been cases of mesothelioma in teenagers.

It is important not to assume that young people cannot develop mesothelioma. It is crucial to be wary of doctors who refuse to consider the possibility that young people could develop mesothelioma, as that could result in a delayed diagnosis. Below, we discuss some of the main ways children can get exposed to asbestos and the symptoms of mesothelioma in teenagers.

Common Causes of Asbestos Exposure in Children

Many mesothelioma patients encountered asbestos in the workplace. However, there are many other ways that children can be exposed to asbestos. The following are some of the leading causes of asbestos exposure in children;

Household Products

Some household products contain asbestos, including products geared toward children. For example, asbestos has been found in toys and crayons. It has also been found in some cosmetics sold in children’s stores. If a child spends a lot of time with asbestos-contaminated products or eats them, it could increase their risk of developing mesothelioma.

Older Buildings

Before the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in the construction industry. Therefore, asbestos can be found in many older buildings, including schools and houses. Examples of asbestos-contaminated products in older buildings include floor and ceiling tiles, drywall, insulation for pipes, and paint.

When asbestos is left alone, it is not harmful. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it is disturbed during, for example, renovation work. Disturbing asbestos-contaminated products causes asbestos fibers to get released into the air. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested by children, it can lead to the development of mesothelioma.

Unfortunately, asbestos fibers are microscopic, so it is impossible to know when they are released into the air.

Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Some children encounter asbestos at home because of a parent’s or another relative’s workplace exposure. This is called secondary asbestos exposure. If a parent or another relative brings home asbestos dust on their clothes, shoes, or hair, children in the household can get exposed to asbestos. Indeed, workers who work with asbestos or asbestos-contaminated products are required to go through a thorough decontamination process before going home. However, it is not impossible to take asbestos home.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma in Teenagers

The symptoms of mesothelioma in teenagers are the same as those in older patients. They include the following;

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain and/or swelling
• Digestive problems

Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.