Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a popular mineral in many manufacturing industries in the US and across North America. But with all the good things we can say about asbestos, it is not all rosy. Asbestos exposure comes with a range of devastating health implications. One of the diseases it may cause includes the dreadful mesothelioma, which is incurable. You may require the services of reputable mesothelioma lawyers and asbestos attorneys to prosecute cases related to asbestos exposure. An excellent example of such a firm is Sokolove Law.

Of course, asbestos is one of the most common naturally occurring minerals. It is made up of six naturally occurring minerals, which exist as bundles of fibers. You can conveniently separate the minerals into thin, durable threads.

One of the most outstanding qualities of asbestos is its industrial and commercial properties. The minerals exhibit unbeatable resistance to fire, heat, and electricity. Besides, they do not conduct electricity. All the minerals are silicate in nature, an indication that they contain silicon and oxygen atoms.

Industries with High Asbestos Exposure and Health Risks

Industries with high asbestos exposure and resultant health risks include those that manufacture fireproof coatings, bricks, gaskets, pipes, drywall, insulations, concrete, and cement. Others include those that handle roofing, paints, flooring services, paints, sealants, and joint compounds.

But beyond the mainstream manufacturing industries, asbestos is also a common mineral on household products. You will find them on hats, lawn furniture, electrical appliances, plastics, mattresses, and rubber.

The five most at-risk occupations include construction workers, firefighters, industrial workers, shipyard workers, and power plant workers.

Asbestos Regulation

A report by the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry pegs the number of those overexposed to un-recommended levels of asbestos exposure at 27 million between 1940 and 1979. Regulations of asbestos only started in 1971. And the Occupational Safety and Administration (OSHA) continued to regulate asbestos in the 1980s and 1990s.

Indeed, asbestos exposure continues to see a downward trend; eradicating it remains an impossibility. You will still find asbestos in schools, buildings, factories, trains, ships, and automobiles. It is only regulated but not banned here in the US and across the world.
While regulations have since led to a considerable reduction in these numbers, the threat remains the same—and workers still develop related to diseases related to asbestos exposure, among others.

Health Conditions Related to Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos for extended durations is not suitable for your health. When you inhale the fibers, they end up trapped in your respiratory and digestive tracts. The process may cause health problems such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Other effects of continuous asbestos exposure include ovarian cancer and laryngeal cancer.

Of course, albeit being a rare condition, nearly all mesothelioma cases result from asbestos exposure. It develops in the linings of your abdomen or lungs. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is incurable.

What do you do if diagnosed with mesothelioma?

Sue for Mesothelioma Compensation

Since this condition is incurable, the only option is always to sue the company at fault for compensation. The process seems pretty straightforward. However, you or your family needs the best mesothelioma attorney to help you or them through the process. Experienced mesothelioma attorneys understand the compensation process and will help you or your family sue for personal injury claims or wrongful death claims.