Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Serious and Fatal Health Conditions, Including Mesothelioma

Asbestos and all commercial forms of asbestos are human carcinogens, meaning they cause cancer. Health conditions including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaque and pleural effusion can develop from exposure to asbestos, even if the exposure was short-term. Most cases of asbestosis or lung cancer diagnosed in people exposed to asbestos on the job were 15 years or more after first exposure. Most cases of mesothelioma diagnosed are 30 years or more after first exposure. Because these conditions take a long time to develop and can continue to progress even after stopping the exposure, an asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma lawsuit can be complex. Consult mesothelioma lawyer Napoli Bern Ripka LLP to determine if your case has merit. Learn more about asbestos exposure and cancer risk.

Most Cases of Mesothelioma Were Preventable

North American mining of asbestos minerals and its commercial use began in the 1800′s and by 1950; the United States was the world’s largest user of asbestos, incorporating asbestos into a wide variety of industrial and consumer products. Doctors have documented asbestos related deaths for more than 100 years. By the 1930′s, the asbestos industry, their insurance companies and manufacturers of these products knew that asbestos was causing a significant number of worker deaths, and yet they conspired to keep that information from workers and the public. Much of the industry did not notify workers of the dangers or provide protection for workers until the U.S. government began asbestos regulation in the 1970′s. Despite regulations, people today still suffer asbestos exposure in and outside the workplace. Mesothelioma lawyer Napoli Bern Ripka LLP can help determine the party responsible for your exposure. Read how the industry kept its dangers a secret.