Asbestos-related illnesses continue to rise

Rowan residents who have experience with asbestos-related illnesses know how serious of a problem asbestos exposure can be. Asbestos exposure can cause a number of serious health issues and even death. Unfortunately, asbestos-related illness continues to rise.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released a new report showing that cases of malignant mesothelioma are on the rise. Mesothelioma is a disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is considered dangerous because it can get into a person’s lungs causing respiratory problems or mesothelioma, a cancer of the lungs, chest and abdomen. The use of asbestos was banned by the Environmental Protection Agency in the 1970s because of the health risks.

The CDC’s report shows that over 2,500 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2015. They have also found that between 1999 and 2015, over 640 people between the ages of 25 and 44 died from mesothelioma. This is significant as this younger population was born after asbestos was banned and scientists are working on figuring out potential causes of mesothelioma in younger people.

Mesothelioma is a horrible disease that causes most that have it to die. Many times this disease is caused by exposure to asbestos in workplaces. Those who develop mesothelioma often don’t live long enough to hold their employer accountable for their negligence. Families who believe their loved one has symptoms of an asbestos-related disease may want to speak with a legal professional who specializes in mesothelioma. They can help their clients get the medical help they need and deserve. They can also hold those responsible for the asbestos exposure accountable for their negligence.

Source: upi.com, “Researchers unsure why asbestos-related illness continues to increase“, Amy Wallace, March 3, 2017