Killer Asbestos - Epidemic?

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Author: S.A.M.
Date: 8/18/2005



Asbestos Cancer also known as Mesothelioma, regularly seeps into the news just as the chemical seeps into the victims lungs. Sometimes taking as long as 15 to 50 years before becoming active, In My Opinion, mesothelioma is likely to keep getting the media spotlight as an epidemic for some time to come.

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a common form of magnesium silicate that was used in many products because of its strong resistance to fire. The mineral was mined, ground and milled into fine particles and shipped to many companies who used it in the fabrication of many products. Asbestos particles were easily inhalable and many people do not even remember being exposed to such a deadly killer.

Who was Exposed?
There are so many occupations that were high risk of Asbestos exposure especially up until the 1980's. The occupations which are generally regarded as the highest risk are as follows:

Construction workers which installed or handled insulation.

Asbestos miners.

Automotive mechanics.

Roofers.

Factory workers

Electricians

Ship Builders

Railroad workers

Manufacturers of gas masks

Keep in mind that Mesothelioma and other forms of lung cancers caused by asbestos exposure did not limit themselves to the workers in direct contact with the material. Many family members of these workers were exposed to these highly toxic fibers because of the particles that would cling to the workers clothes, skin and hair.

I have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. What can I do?
Firstly, you are not alone. Between 2500 and 4000 people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases, each year in the U.S. alone. The biggest catastrophe of this disaster is that it could have easily been prevented. Many companies knew of the danger, had alternatives available to using asbestos in the manufacturing of their products, but continued to expose their employees in the name of profit. If you are one of the unfortunate to have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos related diseases, there are a few things that you can do. Educate yourself on the disease and your diagnosis. Seek out proper medical care and treatment. Sadly most prognoses for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma is gloomy but medical research has made some advancements which have resulted in possible treatments which may improve life expectancy and also the quality of that life. There are many mesothelioma medical specialists and support groups in the U.S. and Canada and you should easily be able to seek them out.

You do have Legal Options
Tragically, most cases of mesothelioma and other diseases caused by the exposure to asbestos, were preventable. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are legally in the right to pursue compensation from the companies at fault. You should contact a lawyer or firm with experience with mesothelioma cases. They can advise you of your rights, explain the legal process and offer you legal support. Many of these firms offer a free case evaluation and can easily be found on the Internet or high circulation newspapers.

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