Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used heavily in the manufacturing and construction industry for its durability, functionality and relatively low cost. At the time people were unaware of the many serious health risks and side effects associated with exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos side effects can be very severe in many cases and medical attention should be immediate. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma, a rare yet sometimes fatal form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and sometimes even the heart. Mesothelioma cancer is almost always caused from asbestos exposure. Most of the time, mesothelioma will develop in people who work around asbestos and inhale it over time. Examples of industries and workplaces that may have experienced asbestos exposure could be mill workers, steel workers electricians, plumbers, Navy Sailors, shipyard employees, construction workers, veterans and many more.
Mesothelioma can develop over time (usually between 20 and 50 years after being exposed to asbestos) and the symptoms may go unnoticed for some time. Symptoms may mimic that of a common cold and may or may not include chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, coughing, lumps being detected under chest, and weight loss.
Asbestos exposure has been linked to several serious health problems including but not limited to the following:
- Mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of an organ)
- Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs making breathing difficult)
- Lung Cancer (cancer of the lung tissue)
- Asbestos Pleural Disease (scarring on the lining of the lungs)
- Heart Failure (the deficient lungs force the heart to be overworked)
- Kidney Cancer
- Larynx Cancer
If you or a loved one have any symptoms of mesothelioma and you or that loved on was previously exposed to asbestos, you should seek professional medical attention immediately.
If you were exposed to asbestos and have contracted any illness, cancer, mesothelioma or any other injury relating to asbestos and the side effects associated with being exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to damages to compensate for your unfortunate situation. Please contact a qualified lawyer or law firm experienced with asbestos side effects and mesothelioma litigation.
