Although asbestos
is a widely proliferated material, few people understand the
devastating effects this mineral can cause. It is unsure anyone
would have used it in so many applications had they only known
the truth. A few staggering facts about mesothelioma include:
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining
around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs (pleura),
or around the abdominal organs (peritoneum).
What does asbestos have to do with mesothelioma?
The only known cause of mesothelioma in the U.S. is previous
exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos manufacturers knew about
the hazards of asbestos seventy years ago - but they kept this
knowledge to themselves. The first warnings to workers exposed
to asbestos were given in the mid-1960s, and they were terribly
inadequate. Even today, workers are not always told they are
working around asbestos and are at risk for asbestos disease.
What can someone with mesothelioma do?
• Seek out the best and most up-to-date information.
• Seek out the best medical care.
• Early screening for mesothelioma diagnosis.
• Stay in close contact with your doctor.
• Consider whether or not you want to bring a lawsuit
because of this asbestos-related injury.
• Remember that resources are available to you through
community and medical support groups, asbestos
victims' organizations, your place of worship, as well as your
family and friends.
Malignant Mesothelioma is a atypical form of cancer, usually
caused by exposure to asbestos. * 2,500 new cases of mesothelioma
are reported each year.
* 70% to 80% who enlarge mesothelioma have worked on jobs
where they inhaled asbestos particles.
* Mesothelioma does not become visible until 20 to 40 years
after asbestos exposure.
* More men than in women have mesothelioma.
* Risk for mesothelioma increases with age.
* This ailment can appear in whichever men or women at any
age.
1. Historical facts about asbestos and mesothelioma
* Asbestos has been used since ancient times. Greeks and
Romans wove the fibers into tablecloths, napkins, and clothes,
and threw them into fires to clean them. They also noted the
slaves forced to deal with this material lived shorter lives
and usually died of breathing or respiratory problems.
* Asbestos was used extensively in the late 19th and early
20th centuries as modern industry drove the economies of Western
Europe and the United States.
* During the Second World War, hundreds of thousands of
military personnel were exposed to asbestos on a large scale.
Many of these servicepeople are now beginning to demonstrate
symptoms of asbestos-related diseases.
* Many asbestos companies knew the dangers of their products,
but chose to ignore or downplay the role asbestos played in
many illnesses.
* The first reported death caused by asbestos exposure was
documented in medical journals in 1924.
2. Modern facts about asbestos and mesothelioma
* Over 10,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with mesothelioma
or other asbestos-related conditions each year, 3,000 in the
US alone.
* It is estimated that over 110,000 schools in the United
States still contain some form of asbestos.
* Even though cigarette smoking does not cause mesothelioma,
victims exposed asbestos who smoke suffer a 50-90% increase
in the likelihood of developing lung cancers.
* Asbestos has been banned or regulated in many industrialized
countries around the world.
* Post-diagnosis survival of mesothelioma is measured in
months, because by the time the cancer is detected it is too
advanced for treatment.
* Because of the long dormancy of mesothelioma, experts
speculate that there will be an increase of cases for the
next 20 to 30 years.
3. Legal facts about asbestos and mesothelioma
* The first lawsuit regarding asbestos injury was filled
in 1966 in Texas against Johns-Manville, Fibreboard, Owens
Corning Fibreglas and several other manufacturers.
* Mesothelioma cases settle on average between $750,000
and $8 million.
* More than half a million asbestos cases have been filed,
with 50,000 in 1998 alone.
* Up to 8 million people in the United States have been
exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos. Asbestos still continues
to pose a threat to workers in certain occupations.
* New legislation before the Senate of the United States
called the Hatch Bill could potentially limit the amount of
compensation victims of asbestos-related diseases could receive.
4. What can you do if you are the victim of an asbestos-related
disease or mesothelioma?
If you or someone you love is suffering from mesothelioma,
you have rights. One way to take stand against the callous
asbestos industry that put their profits ahead of your health
is to take legal action against them. You may be entitled
to financial compensation for your pain and suffering, but
if you hesitate you may lose your chance for justice due to
the statute of limitation laws in your state. Let us help
you fight. Contact us today.
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