Carcinogens are substances known to cause cancer. Many seemingly natural items can be very dangerous for humans. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral substance. It exists in large quantities within the Earth’s crust. Historically, companies used asbestos for a variety of different purposes.
However, medical researchers eventually validated the belief that asbestos was dangerous. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that begins in the lining of the organs. It eventually spreads to other parts of the body. Mesothelioma is often deadly and is very difficult to diagnose and treat.
Asbestos also has an association with lung cancer and certain reproductive cancers as well. Those diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer may be able to take legal action if they can determine where they experienced asbestos exposure. The following are some of the most common sources of asbestos exposure.
Employment responsibilities
Workers in a variety of different sectors could end up exposed to asbestos on the job. Manufacturing professionals, shipbuilders, vehicle mechanics and construction workers, especially those working to renovate properties, are among those most at risk of asbestos exposure. Even serving in the Navy could correlate to increased risk. Particularly if professionals worked in high-risk careers before federal rules limiting asbestos exposure took effect, they may be at elevated risk of mesothelioma and other deadly cancers.
Secondhand exposure
Quite a few people dealing with asbestos illnesses did not work with asbestos. Instead, someone in their family worked with asbestos. Before there were appropriate safety standards in place, workers may have brought asbestos home on their skin, hair or clothing. They may have then deposited that asbestos around their homes. Loved ones may have inhaled it when hugging them after they arrived home for the day. Those who lived with professionals who handled asbestos may have secondhand exposure to blame for their cancer diagnosis.
Contaminated products
Asbestos was once used in everything from flame retardants to vehicle components. Awareness of its risk has led to the elimination of asbestos in most products. However, products including talc or talcum powder may have undisclosed asbestos in them. Talc often exists close to asbestos in mines. Inadequate testing might result in companies using contaminated talc to produce products for health and beauty purposes.
Determining how someone came into contact with asbestos is the first step toward justice. Those sickened by asbestos exposure may be able to file lawsuits and secure compensation for the expenses generated by their illness.