Once known as a miracle mineral, asbestos has lost favor, as it becomes increasingly known as a risk factor for many deadly diseases.
Mesothelioma
Asbestos is notorious as the only known risk factor for mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that can invade the mesothelium of the lungs, abdomen, heart and, although rarely, the scrotum. While there is no cure for mesothelioma to date, treatment and early detection has had some success in delaying the progress of this disease, and many victims are living longer, more productive lives.
Asbestos Lung Cancer
There are numerous risk factors for asbestos lung cancer, but asbestos is among those most well known. Fibers trapped in the spongy lung tissue have been found to cause as much as four percent of all lung cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has found that people who were exposed to asbestos had twice the risk of developing lung cancer than people with no asbestos exposure.
Other Cancers
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) classifies asbestos as a human carcinogen. Other cancers linked to asbestos include:
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Leukemia
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
Pleural Diseases
Pleural plaques, pleural effusions, and pleural thickening are all documented risks from asbestos exposure. These diseases can occur alone, in combination with other asbestos caused diseases.
If you have a history of asbestos exposure and have developed any suspicious health problems, please contact the experienced asbestos lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Brown | Kiely, LLP to learn more about your rights following asbestos exposure.
