Long-Term Effects of Asbestos Exposure – What You Need to Know?

Asbestos was used throughout the United States in various applications for many years until the health risks of this substance became apparent. Unfortunately, the long-term effects of asbestos exposure are fatal, as this substance can cause mesothelioma, an incurable and terminal form of cancer. It’s vital to know the risks of asbestos exposure and what to do if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Long-Term Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma isn’t a very common form of cancer, but new cases are consistently diagnosed every year throughout the United States. For many years, thousands of people were exposed to asbestos at home and at work, and the health risks and long-term effects of asbestos exposure remained unknown for decades. This led to countless cases of mesothelioma throughout the United States over the past several decades, and new cases continue to be diagnosed each year.

The most dangerous long-term effect of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma. Each year in the United States, almost 3,500 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed. This disease is often mistaken for other, less serious conditions, and by the time noticeable symptoms appear, it will already have reached a critical stage. It often takes many years or even multiple decades before the victim realizes that they have developed mesothelioma.

Asbestos particles are small, light, and able to remain suspended in still air for hours or even days at a time. When released into an interior space, it is easy for them to be inhaled, and the victim will begin developing cancer. There is no safe level of exposure, and there is no way to predict how long it will take mesothelioma to develop. Persistent exposure can increase the rate at which it progresses, and some people are naturally predisposed to developing cancers.

One of the worst aspects of mesothelioma is that by the time symptoms are noticed, the disease has reached an advanced stage. Sometimes, symptoms appear early, and mesothelioma can be detected while it is still within a relatively small local region. In other cases, the disease does not cause any noticeable symptoms until it has already spread to distant areas of the body.

What to Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating news for the victim and their family. This is an incurable and terminal form of cancer, and the only option is to manage symptoms and preserve the quality of life as much as possible. It’s natural to wonder whether you have any legal options in this situation, and most victims of asbestos exposure will have various legal options depending on how they were exposed.

Many companies throughout the United States previously manufactured asbestos-containing products, and once the long-term effects of asbestos exposure were confirmed, many were forced to create mesothelioma injury trusts. These trusts pay out compensation to individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure from their products. Depending on the source of your condition, you may qualify to file such a claim.

Thousands of personal injury cases for toxic exposure are also filed throughout the country each year, pertaining to mesothelioma. If you can determine when and where you were exposed to asbestos and a specific party is responsible, you may have grounds to file a personal injury suit. The team at Wallace & Graham has helped many past clients navigate these cases, and we are ready to guide you through these difficult legal proceedings.

FAQs

Q: Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?

A: No, mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer that takes a very long time to develop noticeable symptoms. Early detection can help manage symptoms and increase life expectancy, but ultimately, the disease is fatal. The American Cancer Society reports a 24% five-year life expectancy for localized mesothelioma and only 7% once the disease has reached distant parts of the body.

Q: Can You Detox From Asbestos?

A: No, you cannot detox from asbestos or remove it from the body. While it may take time for noticeable adverse symptoms to develop, preventing exposure is crucial to minimize your risk of developing mesothelioma. Employers must acknowledge and address any asbestos risks in the workplaces they operate and provide employees with safety equipment if they are at risk of exposure while performing their job duties.

Q: Is It Dangerous to Live in a House With Asbestos?

A: Yes, it is dangerous to live in a house with asbestos if the asbestos-containing materials are damaged and shedding fibers into the air. Asbestos is no longer used in new construction projects in the United States, and there are many professional services offering abatement and removal. It’s possible to contain asbestos in a way that prevents shedding, or it can be removed from a structure entirely.

Q: Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure?

A: Yes, you may have grounds to sue for asbestos exposure. If you can prove the source of the exposure and a specific party is responsible, an experienced attorney can help you build a case. You could qualify to file a claim against a mesothelioma injury trust, or you may have grounds to file a toxic exposure lawsuit. Consult an experienced attorney as quickly as possible after your diagnosis to learn more about your legal options.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

A: It’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer after a mesothelioma diagnosis. You may qualify to file a claim with a mesothelioma injury trust, file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer, or have grounds to file a toxic exposure lawsuit. An experienced attorney can review the details of your situation, determine the most likely source of your condition, and explain the legal options available to you.

The long-term effects of asbestos exposure are serious and life-changing. When you believe you have been exposed, early detection of mesothelioma is crucial to ensure the optimal prognosis, but it’s also important to understand your legal options in this situation. Wallace & Graham can help you build a comprehensive case if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.