Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals. There are two types, but about six different kinds. It is found in rock formations and mined in open pits. Its name comes from a Greek word meaning unquenchable. It does not burn or melt. Chemicals do not change its structure. Its fibers are durable, pliable, easy to work with. Until recently, it was thought of as sort of a miracle mineral. It’s uses were innumerable. It was almost indestructible. And it was plentiful. Today, it is the reason for many court cases, including mesothelioma claims.
It is a fibrous mineral found on metamorphic rock. Mining of it is done in open pits. Traces are in soil, water, and air. When the fibers in the air are inhaled, some lodge within lung tissue. Over time, the fibers cause scar tissue to develop. The scarring causes inflammation, resulting in respiratory difficulties.
It is present in the air, soil, and water. Only when the fibers are inhaled are they of concern. The amount of concern they warrant depends on certain factors. The amount, duration, and frequency of exposure determines the danger. The fibers are invisible to the naked eye. When breathed in, some are exhaled, but all are not. Some fibers become lodged in lung tissue. Over several years scarring develops, and inflammation occurs. If the scarring is of significant amount, symptoms develop. Symptoms may be mild, or they may be severe.
Not everyone who has inhaled the fibers will have problems. The amount, frequency, and length of time the fibers were inhaled determine the risk. Smokers, or persons with preexisting lung disease, are at higher risk than others. Anyone who has symptoms suspicious of illness should consult a physician.
Malignancies resulting from exposure are lung cancer and mesothelioma. Lung cancer is malignancy of the lung tissue. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the membrane lining of the chest cavity or abdomen. Although its occurrence is rare, mesothelioma claims are becoming fairly common.
Related malignant illnesses are lung cancer and mesothelioma. Lung cancer is cancer of the lung tissue. Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of the lungs and of the abdomen. Symptoms of these malignancies are the same as with non malignancies. In addition, coughing up blood, extreme weakness, and anemia are usually present. Lung cancer and mesothelioma claims are quite common today. Mesothelioma is sometimes called asbestos cancer.
Several years pass from the time of exposure until problems arise. Ten to forty years, or even longer is not unusual. This is because significant scarring of tissues takes time to develop. Exposure is not a great threat to the American public at the present time. However, many were exposed before government regulations were in place. Only in the past approximately 40 years have the dangers been fully recognized. Each year, mesothelioma claims increase in the U. S., as about three thousand cases are diagnosed.
Cigarette smokers who have had exposure are at greater risk than nonsmokers. Those persons are urged to quit smoking. Anyone with symptoms should see a medical doctor without delay. A medical professional can help determine if an exposure problem exists. If exposure is determined, legal advice should be obtained. Attorneys who specialize in mesothelioma claims and other asbestos related cases are available.
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