Asbestos Mesothelioma Facts and Information

Posted by admin on 1 March, 2009

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This item was filed under [ Accidents and Injuries, Drugs and Toxic Chemicals, Mesothelioma and Asbestos, Personal Injuries, Toxic Torts and Chemicals ]

This article will provide information to you about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. It is important to be aware of asbestos exposure facts and information since each state has its own statute of limitations - a limited period of time within which to file your case.

Risk of Exposure

Asbestos can cause cancer in humans and has been classified as a known carcinogen. People can be exposed to asbestos in their houses, places of employment, schools and other community buildings that have been built out of material containing asbestos. There is a high risk of developing a rare form of cancer of the chest lining membranes and abdomen when exposed, which is called Mesothelioma.

Between the years of 1950 until the mid 1970s, many products were made out of materials that contained asbestos such as wallboards, flooring, insulation and even auto brake shoes and clutch pads. The last two items still contain asbestos. People who work with these products have a high risk of exposure. When it was discovered how dangerous this material is to humans, the federal government banned the use of asbestos in most products, but not entirely. Prior to the discovery that it is a carcinogen, it was very popular because asbestos is very resistant to heat and fire.

Some of the older buildings may still have asbestos containing materials in them that were used during their construction. When the building material wears down, asbestos fibers may be released into the air. This makes it possible for exposure to happen, especially while working in or tearing down older buildings or even while removing asbestos products like old insulation or old floors.

Health Risk of Exposure and General Symptoms

People in risk areas, such as older buildings, may not be aware that the building materials may contain asbestos and they are at severe risk of exposure. These people might be breathing in these asbestos fibers and not even be aware of it until years later. The fibers remain in the lungs and can cause scarring which can lead to inflammation and other serious health conditions, even malignant cancers.

There have been connections made between getting gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers and asbestos exposure. There also appears to be a higher risk for throat, kidney, and esophagus and gallbladder cancer after being exposed to asbestos. After being exposed to asbestos, workers may develop symptoms like coughing and feelings of breathlessness and a tight chest and many years later, they may experience respiratory failure.

Symptoms of Early Pleural Mesothelioma

When early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma begin to develop, it is sometimes misdiagnosed as a form of pneumonia. Both affect the chest cavity and lungs. Pleural mesothelioma is very difficult to treat and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Fluid buildup in the chest cavity may cause difficulty breathing. Other early symptoms typically are:

continuing cough
shortness of breath
hoarse voice
trouble swallowing
chest or back pain
feelings of fatigue
weight loss
loss of appetite
fever

Other lung diseases may develop such as pleural plaque or thickening of the membrane around the lungs. There can be fluid retention between the tissue lining of the lungs and around the chest cavity. This condition may lead to lung cancer.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is another common illness caused by asbestos exposure. It affects the abdomen, bowel, liver and spleen. The peritoneum is the membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma is found in about 30% of asbestos illness cases. Excessive buildup in the abdominal cavity develops and normal digestion is eventually difficult and internal organ functioning is impaired.
Symptoms include:

abdominal pain
swelling in the abdomen
nausea and/or vomiting
weight loss
loss of appetite
general fatigue
diarrhea or constipation

Other rare forms of mesothelioma are found in the lining of the heart. Other areas affected can be the male and female reproductive organs. Women, more often than men, can develop cystic mesothelioma of the abdomen. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women because they work in professions that have a higher risk to asbestos exposure.
Industries Indicating a Higher Incidence of Asbestos Exposure:

insulators (asbestos workers)
boilermakers
ship-fitters
steel workers
maintenance workers
plumbers
brake mechanics

When an individual is exposed to asbestos at work, he or she may leave the workplace with asbestos particles left on clothing or hair. It is possible to bring these small asbestos particles back to the home after being exposed, leaving them to be potentially inhaled by others.

Conclusion

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or have become ill after being exposed to asbestos, contact an asbestos attorney immediately to ensure that you will obtain the necessary financial assistance and compensation for your injuries. Your attorney will be more informed on asbestos exposure, its consequences and to what compensation you may be entitled.