Mesothelioma and asbestos are inextricably connected. Information has been available linking the two for many decades, and nearly all mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States today are linked to asbestos exposure. Breathing airborne asbestos fibers is the primary factor contributing to the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. By exploring and understanding the connection between the two, you can determine whether you might be at risk, and what you can do if you have the disease.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral useful because of its fibrous texture and resistance to fire and electricity. It was used extensively in manufacturing and many products in the United States without effective safety measures for several decades, even after asbestos was linked to mesothelioma and other illnesses. This information was actively suppressed, and the resulting cost, in both financial and human terms, has been enormous, and is still being tallied as individuals who worked with asbestos continue to fall sick.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, and reliable medical information implicates the mineral in a variety of other medical conditions, including lung cancer and asbestosis. When minute asbestos fibers are inhaled, they settle in the lungs. Over time, as they build up, they cause mesothelioma and other health problems.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, asbestos is the culprit in the vast majority of mesothelioma cases – some studies put the figure at over 90 percent. Information from a study by the RAND Institute for Civil Justice shows that about 27.5 million Americans were exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1979, and from the 1970s to the 1980s there was a drastic increase in mesothelioma diagnoses and deaths that continues today. Demographic data strongly links these cases to past asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be able to achieve significant compensation from negligent individuals and companies. If you or a loved one has asbestos-related mesothelioma, contact the Madeksho Law Firm for more information about pursuing legal action.
To learn more about the relationship between asbestos and mesothelioma and how this information may strengthen your case, contact us today.
Contact the Madeksho Law Firm, specializing in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, to speak with our lawyers about your case. Our consultations are free, and we serve asbestos victims nationwide.