A Guide to Asbestos Trust Funds

hen companies that produce asbestos-containing products file for bankruptcy, they are legally obligated to establish asbestos trust funds. These are designed to provide compensation for the millions of Americans suffering from asbestos-related diseases, including oil refinery workers and pipefitters to Marine Corps and Air Force veterans. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer and legal firm such as […]

A Guide on Asbestos Exposure and Ovarian Cancer

Globally, an estimated 125 million people work in environments where they may be exposed to asbestos. This exposure results in the loss of at least 90,000 lives annually due to asbestos-related diseases, including ovary cancer and mesothelioma. If you or a loved one has received an ovarian cancer diagnosis and suspect asbestos exposure may be […]

COPD & Asbestos

Asbestos exposure has been proven to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. There is increasing evidence that exposure may also cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD as it is commonly known. COPD is one of the most frequent forms of lung disease. What is COPD? COPD is actually an umbrella term for two medical conditions that cause breathing […]

Asbestos and Military Veterans

Asbestos and military veterans who develop mesothelioma from exposure can often be traced back to their working environment in the military. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for centuries for its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, it wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that asbestos became widespread. In the 20th century, asbestos was used in […]

How Does Asbestos Cause Lung Cancer?

Every year around 125,000 Americans die from lung cancer. While the majority of victims develop cancer as a result of smoking, a significant portion are victims of exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos. Sadly, after asbestos exposure, the risk of lung cancer increases five-fold. Those who have worked in asbestos-using industries are particularly at […]

Asbestos-Related Kidney Cancer

The most common form of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma, originates in the tubes inside the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste products. It accounts for about 95 percent of all kidney malignancies. Some important characteristics of the disease include no early warning signs, a number of symptoms that include: Blood in the […]

Pleural Plaques

Asbestos exposure can cause medical conditions other than mesothelioma. Pleural plaques, like mesothelioma, usually develop after a latency period of at least 20 years. However, they have been reported cases in which the disease developed in less than ten years after the initial exposure to asbestos. Patients with pleural plaques do not exhibit any specific symptoms. […]

Asbestos-Related Diseases

There two main groups of asbestos: Amphibole, which is characterized by straight, needle-like fibers. The commercial forms of amphibole include crocidolite or blue asbestos, and amosite or brown asbestos. Both of these forms are mined in South Africa and Australia. Serpentine, which is characterized by curly fibers. Chrysotile or white asbestos is the only form that is used commercially. It is […]

Asbestos-Related Esophageal Cancer

Although a cure is possible, treatment for esophageal cancer takes place over an extended period of time, which infringes on quality of life. The treatment options include esophagectomy, a procedure to remove all or part of the esophagus. This method carries a high rate of mortality. Nonsurgical treatment includes radiation and chemotherapy, either alone or […]