Mesothelioma and the workplace for those who worked around asbestos can create various health problems, including cancers such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lungs, abdomen, or heart lining. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral commonly used in building materials, insulation, and other products before the dangers of asbestos were widely known. While the use of asbestos has decreased in recent years, many people are still at risk of developing mesothelioma and the workplace due to past exposure.
Mesothelioma and the Workplace
The workplace is a common source of asbestos exposure, as many industries used asbestos in their products and operations before the dangers of asbestos were fully understood. When asbestos is disturbed, such as during installation, removal, or repair of asbestos-containing materials, it releases microscopic fibers that can be easily inhaled into the air. Once inhaled, these fibers can become lodged in the lungs and other organs, causing damage over time. Workers employed in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and automotive repair industries were at high risk of inhaling asbestos fibers on the job.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to appear, meaning many people exposed to asbestos in the workplace may not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until long after their exposure. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. Unfortunately, the cancer has already spread by the time most people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, making it difficult to treat.
Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from the dangers of mesothelioma and the workplace. This includes providing proper training, equipment, and protective gear to employees who may come into contact with asbestos. Employers should also conduct regular testing and monitoring for asbestos in the workplace and take steps to remove or encapsulate any asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos Exposure
In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can cause other health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural effusion. Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that causes lung tissue scarring, making breathing difficult. Pleural effusion is the buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall, which can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. Lung cancer is another potential complication of asbestos exposure, and it is often more challenging to treat in people exposed to asbestos.
If you work in an industry that may expose you to asbestos, taking steps to protect yourself from mesothelioma and the workplace is crucial. This includes wearing proper protective gear, following reasonable safety procedures when working with asbestos-containing materials, and seeking medical attention if you experience any symptoms of asbestos exposure. It is also essential to educate yourself about the risks of asbestos exposure and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your coworkers.
Legal Help for Those Exposed to Asbestos
Many companies that use asbestos in their products or operations have established trust funds to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. You may be eligible for compensation if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma because of workplace exposure to asbestos. Additionally, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer or the manufacturer of the asbestos-containing product that caused your exposure.
Speaking with a mesothelioma lawyer, such as the team at Shrader & Associates, who can help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve from mesothelioma and the workplace, is an important step if you have been exposed to asbestos. Their mesothelioma lawyers have experience working with victims of asbestos exposure and understand the unique challenges they face when seeking compensation and when going to trial. Contact their asbestos attorneys today to learn how they can help. https://shraderlaw.com/mesothelioma/diagnosed/