Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, an incurable and terminal cancer that affects thousands of people across the US every year. The history of asbestos use in the American workplace spanned decades, and many people were exposed for years, unaware of the long-term health risks of this exposure. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’ll need an attorney’s help to trace the source of your exposure.
The History of Asbestos Use in the American Workplace
Asbestos was a widely used material in various applications, primarily for its insulating and fireproofing properties. From the late 1800s through the early 1900s, commercial use of asbestos increased significantly for industrial insulation, especially in work involving the railroad system, steam engine building, and boiler manufacturing.
Asbestos use expanded again in the 1940s during World War II, when this material was used in naval shipyards and other construction projects. Peak asbestos usage throughout the US occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. Building materials such as cement, flooring, and roofing materials were manufactured using asbestos. It was also a major component of automotive parts, like clutches and brakes, and most of the industrial insulation used at the time contained asbestos.
In 1975, asbestos was formally designated as a carcinogen after it was revealed that many major companies across multiple industries concealed the health risks of asbestos exposure. In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of asbestos in the United States, but this was partially overturned by the Supreme Court in 1991, allowing limited use of asbestos under very strict regulations.
Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Whenever any asbestos-containing material is damaged or disturbed, it can shed particles into the surrounding area, where they could be inhaled or attach to skin and clothing. These particles are very thin, sharp, and light enough that they can float in the air for long periods of time. Interior spaces could contain high levels of asbestos, and removing it is very difficult. Working with or near any asbestos requires the use of safety equipment.
When asbestos particles become embedded in the body, they can gradually develop into mesothelioma. The most common form of this is pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs after asbestos is inhaled. Peritoneal mesothelioma can form in the abdomen after asbestos is ingested, and in rare cases, pericardial mesothelioma forms in the lining of the heart.
Despite the fact that the health risks of asbestos exposure are widely understood today, there are still about 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed throughout the US each year because of asbestos exposure that happened many years ago. It can take decades for mesothelioma to develop enough to start causing noticeable symptoms, and by this time, the disease has likely progressed to an advanced stage.
If you or a family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is possible that the cause of your diagnosis was asbestos exposure that happened many years ago. You may have grounds to claim compensation, but you must trace the source of the exposure to determine your legal options. You should hire an asbestos lawyer at your first opportunity so they can review your employment records and other evidence to determine the most likely source of your exposure.
The team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC understands the history of asbestos use in the American workplace, and we have successfully helped thousands of clients prove liability for their asbestos exposure and claim compensation for their mesothelioma. If you believe you were exposed to asbestos many years ago at work, our team can help you determine your legal options. Reach out to our firm today for more information about how we can help with your case.
FAQs
Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?
A: Any amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. There is no safe level of exposure, and once is enough for a person to eventually develop mesothelioma. Repeated exposure to asbestos significantly increases this risk, and those who have a genetic predisposition to cancer are more likely to develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
Q: Is Mesothelioma Curable?
A: No, mesothelioma is an incurable cancer. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. However, the average five-year survival rate is only 23% for localized pleural mesothelioma, and this drops to just 11% if the mesothelioma has spread to distant parts of the body. Early detection can improve treatment efficacy, but mesothelioma cannot be cured like other cancers.
Q: When Did Asbestos Regulations Begin in the US?
A: In the US, asbestos regulations began in 1971. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established the first set of federal guidelines for workplace asbestos exposure. A few years later, the EPA issued bans on specific asbestos-containing products, and the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed in 1976, which expanded the EPA’s authority to regulate hazardous substances, including asbestos.
Q: Can I Claim Compensation for Asbestos Exposure?
A: You can claim compensation for asbestos exposure if you have developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related medical condition because of the exposure. You may be eligible for a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust, or you could claim workers’ compensation benefits from your employer if you were exposed and became sick at your current job. You may also have grounds to file a personal injury claim for toxic exposure against a specific defendant.
Q: Why Should I Hire an Asbestos Lawyer?
A: You should hire an asbestos lawyer because if you have grounds for legal recourse, these cases are inherently challenging in several ways. You need an attorney who has proven experience handling cases similar to yours to help you trace the most likely source of your condition. A skilled asbestos lawyer can review employment records and gather evidence to help you prove liability for the asbestos exposure that caused your illness.
The team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC has nearly 30 years of experience representing clients nationwide in asbestos exposure claims. We take cases that many other firms will not, and we are confident we can guide you to a favorable outcome. You have limited time to pursue accountability and compensation for your damages, so contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced asbestos attorney.
