People exposed to asbestos are at increased risk of developing illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, diffuse pleural thickening, lung cancer, and pleural effusion. If you or a loved one suffers from an asbestos-related illness after prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers, you can file a claim or lawsuit for compensation against the manufacturer or distributor of the product.
Asbestos trust funds were established to compensate people who were exposed to asbestos through a product that was manufactured or sold by the company that established the trust fund. They also consider secondary exposures that may have occurred when a worker carries asbestos fibers home on work clothing. For one to be compensated, they must have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer. Additionally, claimants must meet the asbestos latency requirement, which is at least ten years after the initial exposure. The statute of limitations also applies to asbestos claims and lawsuits, and victims have a limited period within which they should file a claim or lawsuit.
How does asbestos cause illnesses?
Asbestos exposure can occur through inhalation and ingestion when asbestos-containing material is disturbed, releasing fibers into the air. Inhalation is the most common route of exposure involving airborne micro-fibers. Ingestion of asbestos fibers is less common and it occurs when asbestos fibers are swallowed. It may occur from the consumption of asbestos-contaminated food, water, or when fibers cleared from the lungs are swallowed. Asbestos exposure can occur at the workplace, communities and homes.
Asbestos fibers are mainly made of silicon and oxygen and naturally occur in soil and rocks in some parts of the world. Asbestos fibers are strong, do not conduct electricity, and are resistant to heat and some chemicals. They are, therefore, used as an insulating material, in automobile parts, construction, and textiles, among others. All types of asbestos fibers are linked to cancer. Some studies associate different types of asbestos fibers with different health risks. Amphibole forms of asbestos are considered more likely to cause mesothelioma risk than chrysotile, because they can remain in the lungs for a longer period of time.
When asbestos microfibers are breathed in, they remain trapped in the lungs. Overtime, accumulated asbestos fibers cause scarring and inflammation of lung tissues leading to breathing problems and complications such as lung cancer. It may take decades for people exposed to asbestos to develop asbestos related illnesses. Benign asbestos related diseases increase the risk of developing cancer.
Exposure to asbestos fibers is known to cause:
- Asbestosis – fibrosis of the lung because of exposure to asbestos dust
- Mesothelioma – cancer of mesothelium cells, which cover most internal organs
- Benign pleural diseases such as pleural plaques
- Cancers of the lung, ovary, and larynx
Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). IARC has established that asbestos causes mesothelioma, and cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary. Most mesotheliomas are believed to occur from asbestos exposure. Some limited studies associate asbestos exposure with an increased risk of cancers of the stomach, pharynx, and colorectum.
The use of asbestos in the US was completely banned in the 1970s because research has shown that any amount of asbestos exposure can be harmful. However, not everyone who is exposed to asbestos suffers from these illnesses. Those exposed regularly are at increased risk of getting sick. These include workers exposed in the shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles, as well as insulation work in the construction and building trades. Professionals at a higher risk of asbestos exposure include asbestos removal workers, firefighters, and automobile workers.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is an inflammation and scarring of the lungs due to exposure to asbestos fibers over a long period of time. As asbestosis progresses patients experience breathing difficulties as lung tissue becomes increasingly scarred. The lung tissue becomes stiff and loses the ability contract and expands normally. People suffering from asbestosis may experience shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. For some individuals, the disease can progress to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary heart disease.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is cancer of mesothelium cells which cover most internal organs. It often occurs on the chest lining but it can also occur on other body organs such as the heart and abdomen lining. Most mesothelioma cases (about 80%) occur from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma patients may experience shortness of breath, swollen abdomen, chest pains, cough, weight loss and fatigue. Diagnosis is made through chest x-rays, CT scan, and tissue biopsy.
Asbestos-induced mesothelioma occurs when inhaled and ingested asbestos fibers lodge in the tissues surrounding the lungs, stomach cavity, and heart, causing changes in cellular DNA that eventually develop into mesothelioma. Asbestos is believed to cause the release of components that promote mesothelial cells’ survival (such as TNF-α, cytokines, growth factors, and mutagenic oxygen radicals) from exposed mesothelial cells and nearby macrophages.
Pleural thickening
When asbestos comes into contact with the pleura, it can cause fibrosis or scarring of the pleura. The pleura is a layered membrane that lines the lungs and the inside of the ribcage. There are two types of pleural thickening: diffuse pleural thickening and pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are areas of hard, scar-like tissue in the pleura. Pleural effusion thickening occurs on a larger surface and may involve a buildup of fluid between the lungs and the pleura. Both conditions may result in difficulties breathing. Asbestos-related pleural thickening may be accompanied by other conditions such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Lung cancer
All types of asbestos fibers are associated with lung cancer. The link between lung cancer and asbestos exposure is sometimes difficult to attest. Some studies show that inhaled toxic asbestos can be lodged in lung tissue, causing damage to lung cells and changing cellular DNA. Asbestos lung cancer occurs in two main types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). People exposed to higher levels of asbestos are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Asbestos-related lung cancer often develops at least ten years after the initial exposure. Smokers exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
Factors considered in assessing whether an illness is caused by asbestos include:
- The amount an individual was exposed to
- The duration an individual was exposed
- Size, shape, and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers
- Source of the asbestos exposure
- An individual’s risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung diseases
- Genetic factors, such as having a germline mutationin BAP1
Conclusion
In the 1970s, the government put up measures to regulate asbestos exposure, including establishing laws limiting or banning the use of asbestos in construction materials. However, asbestos is still used in some products. Older buildings and water pipes also pose a threat of exposure. Those working in construction are still at a significant risk of asbestos exposure. If you suffer from an asbestos-related illness after suspected exposure, you could be eligible for compensation through an asbestos trust or lawsuit. An asbestos attorney can advise you and guide you through the claim process.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, you should go for screening tests. Even though these illnesses cannot be cured, with early diagnosis, medications can help manage the condition and prevent it from worsening. There are many options for accessing financial help for treatment. An asbestos lawyer can help you determine the financial help and compensation for which you qualify.