Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral prized for its special heat-insulating and fireproofing properties. It was widely used in industrial settings and in hundreds of common products from World War II up until the 1980s. Unfortunately, asbestos is toxic. Some people develop scarring of the lungs (asbestosis) from breathing asbestos fibers. Others develop mesothelioma as fibers travel from the lungs to other organs.
Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma, but even infrequent or one-time exposure can cause this devastating cancer. The majority of victims today are men because asbestos use was so prevalent in male-dominated workplaces such as factories, foundries, mills, power plants, construction sites, shipyards, and the military. The women who worked in those occupations also develop mesothelioma, and some victims are the wives and children of male workers who developed asbestos cancer through second-hand exposure to the dust and fibers on their loved ones’ clothing. Our lawyers are skilled at tracing the source of your asbestos exposures and holding corporations and employers accountable for monetary damages.
Types of Asbestos Exposure
There are several different ways in which people are exposed to asbestos, which include the following:
- Environmental. Asbestos at certain locations in the world is naturally occurring. Many sites of natural asbestos deposits were mined, which means that the miners faced an increased risk of being exposed to the material.
- Occupational. Some people were directly exposed to asbestos on the job because the substance was commonly used in equipment and building materials across industries.
- Secondhand. Some people were exposed to asbestos that was carried on the clothes, skin, or hair of workers who regularly worked around asbestos. Exposure to asbestos of this nature is referred to as secondhand exposure.
Asbestos and Tumor Growth
It is currently not known exactly how asbestos exposure causes a person’s body to develop tumors. Some of the theories on how this happens include the following:
- Asbestos fibers influence molecule production, which damages DNA as well as interferes with cellular reproduction.
- Inhaled asbestos fibers cause a person’s mesothelial cells to swell, which leads eventually to cellular damage.
- The small size and shape of asbestos prevents immune system cells from properly cleaning out these fibers. As a result, cells then absorb the material, which affects normal cellular division.
Urgent Action Required
Mesothelioma is life-threatening and can’t be left untreated. The sooner it is diagnosed, the better a patient’s chances are of fighting this deadly cancer. If you or someone you know shows symptoms or has a preliminary diagnosis, please contact a qualified asbestos cancer specialist immediately.
The Throneberry Law Group can help connect you to medical specialists who can positively diagnose mesothelioma and provide the best treatment options and palliative care. Our attorneys will aggressively pursue compensation for your family’s financial burden and your pain and suffering. Our principal attorney, Michael Throneberry, has personal experience with mesothelioma; his own father-in-law was taken by the devastating disease in 2004.
It costs you nothing for us to help you right now. We provide a free consultation and there are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. We take on cases nationwide and we will come to you. Call today at 888-506-1131.
