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Asbestos
Asbestos
During the twentieth century, some 30 million tons of asbestos were used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States. Many asbestos-containing products remain in buildings, ships, industrial facilities and other environments where the fibers can become airborne. It is even possible that you could have been exposed by a family member, because microscopic asbestos fibers on their clothing can come off in your home.Asbestos exposure is also responsible for several other serious health problems. Pleural Disease, Lung Cancer and Asbestosis are all linked to asbestos contamination.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is the most serious asbestos causing disease. 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). For many years asbestos manufacturers have claimed that cigarette smoking caused mesothelioma, however medical research has clearly proven that mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure.
There are currently about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed per year, mostly in men over the age of 40. It is estimated that there will be about 250,000 cases of mesothelioma before 2020. Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years after the first exposure to asbestos. That means that if you worked around asbestos 50 years ago, you could be developing mesothelioma now.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a non-cancerous condition caused by exposure to asbestos. It is caused by asbestos fibers that become lodged in the lungs. As the lungs try to protect the body from these foreign bodies, scar tissue develops and diminishes the lung's capacity for oxygen.
Asbestosis is a progressive disease: as the scarring of the lungs gets worse, the lungs' vital capacity continues to decrease. Asbestosis can cause severe shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and lead to heart problems. Asbestosis may also be present in people suffering from asbestos-caused cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Legal Help for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one suffered side effects from Asbestos, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified pollutants attorney.
AsbestosRSS Feed
Nanotubes May Be As Dangerous As Asbestos
May 22, 2008 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
It seems as if Nanotubes may pose similar health risks as asbestos. Discovered in 1991, Nanotubes are basically rolled-up carbon sheets—tiny, super-strong carbon fibers—used to produce materials much lighter and stronger than steel. Nanotubes are found in a variety of common products, such as tennis rackets.Scientists have long wondered whether needle-shaped Nanotubes might cause similar diseases to those caused by needle-shaped asbestos fibers. Breathing high...
Asbestos Whistleblower Says He Was Demoted by New York City Schools
Jan 8, 2008 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
An asbestos whistleblower is claiming that has been demoted for speaking out about asbestos problems at New York City schools. According to a press release from his lawyer, John Kielbasa, a 22-year veteran steamfitter for the New York City Department of Education (DOE) has been reassigned to sweeping warehouse floors. Nicknamed the “Serpico of the Schools” by co-workers, Kielbasa has been vigilant about reporting loose friable asbestos in a variety of New York City Schools...
Nanotubes May Be As Dangerous As Asbestos
Jan 1, 2008 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
It seems as if Nanotubes may pose similar health risks as asbestos. Discovered in 1991, Nanotubes are basically rolled-up carbon sheets—tiny, super-strong carbon fibers—used to produce materials much lighter and stronger than steel. Nanotubes are found in a variety of common products, such as tennis rackets.Scientists have long wondered whether needle-shaped Nanotubes might cause similar diseases to those caused by needle-shaped asbestos fibers. Breathing high...
Asbestos Found in Toys, Other Products, Consumer Group Says
Dec 4, 2007 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
Asbestos is present in many toys and consumer products, according to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. The group, the nation's largest asbestos victim's organization, was created in 2004 by asbestos victims and their families, and has spent over $165,000 for government-certified laboratories to examine hundreds of consumer products and to determine asbestos contamination. Studies confirm that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers is linked to increased risks of lung...
World Trade Center Rescue Workers Made Ill from Toxic Dust Finally Hear from Former EPA Head, Christine Todd Whitman
Jun 26, 2007 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
World Trade Center rescue workers, many of them sickened by contaminated dust, finally had a chance to hear from former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Christine Todd Whitman at a congressional hearing investigating the government’s response to the terrorist attacks. Many first-responders hold Whitman and the EPA responsible for health problems they’ve suffered since aiding in the rescue efforts at Ground Zero. They contend that statements released by...
Asbestos
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