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How Is Asbestos Still A Health Threat?

At one time, no one thought asbestos was a threat to human health. This naturally occurring and cheap mineral that is heat and fire resistant didn’t get on the radar as a human carcinogen until it was too late for many people. In fact, if you live or work in a building erected prior to the 1980s, you could still suffer exposure.

Call attorney Joe Backer for a free consultation about your mesothelioma and asbestos injuries at 816-399-5219. Our office is located in Independence.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration now regulate asbestos exposure. These agencies tend to concentrate their regulation efforts on the demolition of buildings containing asbestos since that is when this toxic substance could cause the most harm – when it’s airborne. The dust or fibers could be inhaled or ingested and ultimately lead to serious and fatal illnesses.

How Do People Get Mesothelioma?

One rare form of cancer almost 100 percent attributable to asbestos exposure is mesothelioma. Sadly, the medical community has yet to find a cure for this illness that could take up to 50 years to manifest. The symptoms of this disease tend to mimic other conditions, so by the time a doctor properly diagnoses you, it could be in its advanced stages.

If you know you were exposed to asbestos, you may want to watch for the following common symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Coughing
  • Chest pains
  • Abdominal bloating, lumps and pain

The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the more treatment options are available to you. Even though there is no cure, doctors may have treatment options to slow down its progression if found early enough.

How Do You Hold Someone Liable For This Type Of Injury?

Unlike other personal injury cases or products liability claims that have short statutes of limitations, cases involving asbestos and its related illnesses work a bit differently. You have a certain amount of time after your diagnosis, not your exposure, to file your claim.

If you want to know more about this and understand how a claim for asbestos-related illnesses works, contact The Backer Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyer. Contact us online or call us in Kansas City at 816-399-5219.