A Mesothelioma Lawyer Discusses
According to the Mesothelioma Center, the peak of asbestos use in America occurred in 1973, around the same time that the Environmental Protection Agency began limiting the fiber’s implementation. Despite decades of use, it wasn’t until the mid-1970s that asbestos’ link to mesothelioma was recognized. By that point, hundreds of thousands of industrial workers had begun to suffer from the effects of prolonged exposure to asbestos.
The Ongoing Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos has not been used in buildings for some three decades, but a recent report by the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program indicates that close to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases occur every year. However, the report notes that this has been the diagnosis rate for the past thirty years. This report was corroborated by the Centers for Disease Control, confirming that asbestos-related medical conditions are still very much a problem across the country.
Although asbestos has been used for centuries, it became particularly popular in the early 20th century as fireproofing in factories, industrial sites, office buildings and ships. It wasn’t until the 1940s that researchers began to notice a link between the fibers and incidences of mesothelioma, lung cancer and throat cancer.
Despite the abatement of asbestos use, it’s clear that its harmful effects are still prevalent across the country. Although newer buildings are free from the hazards of the material, it was commonly used in buildings built before 1980. There are countless buildings across the nation that still threaten occupants with the catastrophic health effects of asbestos.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Sadly, the detrimental effects of asbestos may not manifest until several years after exposure to the fibers. There are several clear and distinct warning signs for illnesses caused by asbestos, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and throat cancer. Contact a doctor if you experience:
- Frequent shortness of breath
- Harsh sensations when breathing
- Constant dry coughs
- Pleural effusion (liquid in the lungs)
- Chronic chest pain
- Anemia
- Blood clots
- Unexplained weight loss
Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one experience any of the above symptoms. Asbestos exposure affects both the exposed person and anyone they frequently spend time with, including spouses, children, friends and coworkers. Hospitalization may be required to treat your symptoms.
After receiving medical attention, you should consider contacting an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Through legal action against the building owner, you may be able to win compensation for your injuries, helping to pay for the medical treatments you need to heal. If you are suffering from the effects of asbestos exposure and need a qualified mesothelioma attorney, contact our office.