Asbestos Inhalation Attorneys

Asbestos

Asbestos is simply defined as "a fibrous material used in fire-resistant and insulating materials." Made up of a grouping of minerals (actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite), asbestos is generally used in building materials and other items that require insulation, but can also be used in car parts and even school blackboards. Despite its convenient nature in the manufacturing of multiple goods, asbestos can be harmful to the human body.

The tiny fibers of asbestos can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs. This lodging can create scarring (known as asbestosis) and can even be malignant, making asbestos a carcinogen. Cancers caused by asbestos generally affect the lungs (lung cancer), but may affect other internal organs as well (mesothelioma). Asbestos inhalation usually occurs when the materials used to build a structure, be it a house or a place of business, contain asbestos, and the structure is being remodeled or torn down, launching the small fibrous material into the air and then into the lungs of unsuspecting victims.

Asbestos is now a somewhat banned substance. That is, in 1989, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), banned new uses for asbestos, but still allows it to be produced and used as it had been prior to the mandate. Therefore, the danger of being exposed to asbestos is still a possibility, and owners of buildings should always be diligent when demolishing or renovating buildings and other structures where the likelihood of asbestos having been used is great.

Asbestos illness is particularly problematic because it may not be detectable until years after exposure. Furthermore, though there are tests that can detect asbestos in the body, the majority of people have some level of asbestos in them. Whether or not these trace elements of asbestos lead to illness cannot be determined until x-rays and other body scans show the signs of cancer being present in the lungs or other organs in the body.

Contractors and home builders have a responsibility to inform building owners of the use of asbestos products, landlords and leasing agents need to inform tenants of the presence of asbestos, and manufacturers of products containing asbestos are obligated to warn consumers of the dangers associated with the material. If illness results from asbestos inhalation, numerous parties can be held liable and monetary compensation may be sought to help offset the cost of medical bills, recover lost wages, and improve the quality of life that now must be endured as a result of asbestos affliction.

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If you or a loved one now suffers from lung cancer or mesothelioma, you need an experienced asbestos lung cancer attorney on your side that will fight for your rights and expose the negligence that caused your ailment. At Anapol Schwartz, our skilled toxic exposure attorneys will examine every aspect of your case, and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Please call us today for a free consultation, and we will help you in every way that we possibly can.

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