Mesothelioma Symptoms | Asbestos Exposure Facts
Mesothelioma Symptoms | Asbestos Exposure Facts
Mesothelioma has only one known cause, and that is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in insulation, drywall, floor tiles, fireproof clothing for firefighters, household products, and many other items prior to legislation enacted to restrict its use. Patients who develop mesothelioma are diagnosed several years after being exposed to asbestos fibers, which may account for the increase in the number of mesothelioma diagnoses over the last several years.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is prolonged contact with asbestos through working with or around it. An estimated 28 million people in the United States were reportedly exposed to asbestos occupationally from 1940 to 1979. Statistics also suggest that the percentage of people who died from mesothelioma increased significantly in the 1990’s and following years.
In addition to occupational risks, there are also risks of secondary asbestos exposure for family members of those who work with or around asbestos and carry asbestos particles or fibers home from work. Particles may be contained on clothing, in one’s hair, on the skin’s surface, or other areas of the body. OSHA now requires workers who’ve had contact with asbestos to shower and put on different clothing prior to returning home from their workplace.
Mesothelioma is considered a rare form of cancer despite reports that incidence rates of the disease have significantly increased over the last two decades. However, individuals who exhibit symptoms of an asbestos related disease and have worked in shipyards, on navy ships, in asbestos manufacturing plants, in construction, or other industries in which asbestos may have been widely used should provide their medical care provider with a thorough work history when obtaining a diagnosis for their medical condition.
Mesothelioma symptoms often mimic those of other conditions including other terminal cancers and other lung ailments, and work history
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The Information contained in this Mesothelioma Newsroom is intended as a general guide and is not to be construed as legal advice by the Mesothelioma Lawyers of Cooney & Conway Law Firm. Whether or not you may be entitled to take action with regard to the information addressed in this article can only be determined after a thorough review of the facts and circumstances of your case. You may contact the Chicago Mesothelioma Attorneys of Cooney & Conway a full service personal injury firm, at 888 651 1850
