Asbestos: Risks and Prevalence
Asbestos refers to certain minerals that naturally occur as bundles of fibers which can be separated into durable threads. Because the fibers are resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and are not conductive, asbestos has been used across several industries, in products such as:
- Roofing materials
- Patching and spackling compound
- Brake pads and lining
- Cements
- Toasters and other heat-related household items
- Furnaces and furnace doors
- Floor tiles
Numerous studies in recent decades have linked asbestos exposure to cancer and other diseases, prompting some countries to drastically limit its use and others to ban its use completely. Before asbestos risks were addressed by government regulations, however, it was widely used, and even today, asbestos can be found in common locations, like older buildings. Individuals injured by asbestos exposure may find themselves burdened by costly medical treatment, and an experienced Boston injury attorney or Washington DC injury lawyer can help those individuals determine whether they might be entitled to recovery for their injuries.
Cancer Risks Associated With Asbestos Exposure
Studies have conclusively linked asbestos exposure to the following types of cancer:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Throat cancer
In fact, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, most instances of mesothelioma are related to asbestos exposure. And results from 34 studies showed that people exposed to asbestos are 40 percent more likely to suffer from laryngeal cancer, on average, than people with no exposure. Some experts suspect that asbestos also increases the risk of other types of cancer, including gastrointestinal, colorectal, kidney, brain and bladder cancers, though studies have not yet proven a direct causal relationship. When asbestos exposure leads to cancer, a qualified Washington DC injury attorney can help.
Prevalence of Asbestos Exposure
According to the National Cancer Institute, everyone encounters asbestos at some point, because low levels of asbestos exist in the air, water and soil. However, those who become ill from asbestos exposure generally encounter it on a regular basis over a period of time. The following workers are at risk of exposure in the regular course of their jobs:
- Shipbuilders
- Demolition workers
- Drywall removers
- Asbestos removal specialists
- Firefighters
- Automobile workers
These workers risk inhaling asbestos fibers disturbed in older buildings, vehicles and ships, and such exposure increases their chance of developing asbestos-related cancer. Moreover, people who work with asbestos directly, such as those working in asbestos mines and mills or in factories producing asbestos textiles, also have an elevated risk of developing asbestos-related cancer. Workers can develop an asbestos-related disease up to decades after their exposure.
If you or a loved one suffers from an asbestos-related illness, contact a dedicated Boston injury lawyer to learn about your legal rights and potential for recovery.