Frequently Asked Questions
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What is mesothelioma and how do you get it?
The National Cancer Institute states that: "Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without knowing it. more -
What should I do if I've been exposed to asbestos? What if I don't feel sick?
If you've been exposed to asbestos it is important to tell your doctor ! Even if you don’t feel sick, the fact is that people usually don’t show any signs or symptoms of asbestos-related disease for 10 to 20 years or more after exposure. A doctor can order a chest x-ray, lung function tests and other screening to be able to tell if you have any health problems due to asbestos exposure. If you have developed health problems from asbestos, you may have a legal … more -
Who can file an asbestos-related lawsuit?
Although the EPA has made regulations to promote protection from asbestos, and organizations such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have manufactured respirators for asbestos exposed industrialists to use, workers are still experiencing asbestos related illnesses. Sadly, even workers exposed to asbestos as young as in their 30's have contracted asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma and have died as a result. Individuals who have been … more -
Are victims of mesothelioma entitled to social security disability benefits?
Individuals with impairments caused by certain exposures to asbestos may qualify for disability claims under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. Sections 216(i) and 1614(a)(3) of the Social Security Act define “disability” as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected … more -
What exactly is asbestos?
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. It is a fibrous, silicate mineral known for its durability, heat-resistance, and chemical inertness. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. These … more -
Is asbestos hazardous to your health?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the EPA have determined that asbestos is in fact a human carcinogen, and that breathing high levels of asbestos can increase the risk of lung membrane cancer (mesothelioma), scar tissue in the lungs (asbestosis), and cancers of the stomach, pancreas, and kidneys. Asbestos fibers break easily into a dust that can float in the air, stick to clothes, and be inhaled or swallowed. These ingested fibers can then become trapped in … more -
What happens when someone inhales asbestos fibers?
Asbestos fibers are harmful to humans if inhaled. When a person breathes in the small fibers, they remain in the lungs and cause scar tissue to form on the walls of the alveoli (the tiny air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged). The amount of oxygen that is available to the body is reduced through asbestos exposure and worsened through repeated encounters with ACM. more -
Does asbestos exposure cause cancer?
There are several asbestos-related diseases that can result from inhaling asbestos fibers, including: •Asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis); •Mesothelioma; •Lung cancer; and •Other cancers that may result include esophageal, stomach, colon, and pancreatic. Numerous studies attest to the link between cancer and asbestos. Many people who have been exposed do not develop asbestosis or cancer until fifteen or more years after their contact with ACM. Smokers have a significantly … more -
How much exposure does it take to get the disease?
An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. more -
Where is asbestos found?
In the United States, asbestos has been used in a variety of industries and products. Some examples of products that contain asbestos include: •Building materials, like cement and plastics; •Heat insulation and fire proofing; and •Brake shoes and clutch pads in vehicles and airplanes. There are several general categories into which ACM can be classified: •Surfacing materials, such as the acoustical material on the ceilings of many homes, schools, and other buildings; … more
