The US Department of Health and Human Services and the EPA recognize asbestos as a known carcinogen. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of certain cancers, namely mesothelioma and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is found in the membranes lining the lungs and abdomen.
Your risk for these cancers may be related to:
- The amount of asbestos to which you were exposed
- The duration of your asbestos exposure
- The type and source of asbestos
Additionally, if you smoke and were exposed to asbestos, your risk of lung cancer increases dramatically.
Heavy, frequent exposure to asbestos increases your risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. For this reason, men and women who have worked with asbestos at their job sites often develop these diseases; however, brief exposure has also been linked to cancer. You can be exposed to asbestos in your home, at school or from asbestos containing products.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in your lungs, where they do damage over time. It typically takes between 10 and 50 years for a person to first notice symptoms of an asbestos-related disease.
If you live in Washington, DC, and want to speak to an experienced lawyer about whether you can make an asbestos-related claim, please contact the Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP, to schedule a consultation.
