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Asbestosis

Asbestosis is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. It usually strikes workers in the textile, cement and insulating industries. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and virtually indestructible. The asbestos fibers can easily flake off and are small enough to be completely inhaled deep into the lungs.

When they are inhaled into the lung, the lung's defense cells try to destroy the asbestos fibers, but the body's defense mechanisms cannot break down asbestos. The result is that the asbestos fibers remain in the lungs and cause scarring and the inflammation continues for decades. This thickening and scarring prevents oxygen and carbon dioxide from traveling between the the tiny air sacs of the lungs and into the blood stream, so breathing becomes much less efficient.

In people who develop Asbestosis, the inflammatory process (once started) continues to progress, fueled by the indestructible asbestos fibers even after the exposure to asbestos has ceased. Asbestosis is a slowly progressing disease that will show no symptoms for 10 to 30 years. The early symptoms of Asbestosis typically include shortness of breath, coughing, a dry crackling sound while inhaling and chest pain.

Several serious conditions are indirectly caused by Asbestosis, such as Mesothelioma, heart disease and lung cancer. Below is a list of industrial sites, occupations, and products related to asbestos exposure.

Industrial Sites
Oil Refineries
Power Plant Workers
Railroad Workers
Residents of towns with former asbestos plants Manufacturing plants
Shipyards
Steel Mills

Workers in Old Buildings
Contractors working on an old building can often stir up asbestos fibers and poison the workers in the building.

Maritime Occupations
Longshoremen
Merchant Marines
U.S. Navy Veterans

Construction Trades & Other Occupations
Automotive Mechanics
Boilermakers
Bricklayers
Carpenters
Electricians
Insulators
Iron Workers
Laborers
Maintenance Workers
Millwrights
Plasterers
Plumbers
Sheet metal Workers
Steam Fitters
Tile Setters
Welders

Partial List of Dangerous Products
Acoustical panels/plaster
Brake linings
Fireproof aprons
Fire brick
Floor tiles
Gasket material
Glassblower mitts
Pipe covering
Insulation

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and been diagnosed with asbestosis, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified toxic substances attorney.