Mesothelioma and the Risks of Exposure to Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is very often caused by someone being exposed to asbestos at some point during their lives. While it is unknown how much exposure  to Asbestos leads to Mesothelioma, almost anyone who gets this unfortunate type of cancer has most likely been exposed to asbestos.
This exposure can be either directly in that someone had, at some time, worked with some product that was manufactured by asbestos, or, someone may be exposed to Asbestos because they were around a product or place that had asbestos in it. These secondhand exposures are difficult to trace the connection from an exposure to asbestos and then someone developing Mesothelioma, but a link sometimes can be uncovered.
In addition to the exposure question is how long it can take to be diagnosed with Mesothelioma. It can take from 10-50 years after exposure to asbestos to have Mesothelioma diagnosed, which makes understanding of exposure to asbestos and the development of Mesothelioma all that more difficult. Remembering your work history or a loved one’s history is important. You may have they may have been in contact with asbestos directly through your work, or you may have had a secondhand exposure by way the places where you lived, worked or a product that you commonly used.
Safety with Asbestos
The safety and minimization of asbestos exposures and the products that it occurs in may be the number one way to avoid getting a diagnosis later in life for Mesothelioma. The Federal Government, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for creating safety guidelines for workers who may work or come into contact with Asbestos. Employers must educate and provide protective equipment so that exposure and those risks of exposure to asbestos can be limited. Following these guidelines, wearing protective equipment, and doing everything one can to minimize direct contact with asbestos should be taken seriously. Also any item of clothing worn in these environments should be properly cleaned and decontaminated prior to a worker coming into contact with third persons like family so they too, cannot also be at risk of unnecessary exposures.
There was a time, until the late 1980’s, when, especially in the construction trades, that upwards of 3000 products contained asbestos. If you suspect that your home, or the building you work in, may have asbestos related products it is important that if you are to try to do any work of remodeling or repair in these places you get an expert to look over the building. Calling the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a description of products and places where asbestos may be found can be a helpful step. To avoid contact with asbestos is the goal, especially if you are not an expert in dealing with it.
Proper removal with the proper safety equipment and procedures being undertaken so as to avoid potentially dangerous exposures is very important. Do not do it on your own, hire an expert in asbestos removal to do it for you.
Contact Our Lawyers
The safe contact with asbestos can be the difference between eventually developing Mesothelioma or not . If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and believe that it may be from exposure to Asbestos, contact our lawyers at Charles Boyk Law today so we can discuss these important issues with you or your loved one. We are experienced in how to evaluate if the Mesothelioma is caused by a source that may be responsible for this diagnosis.
Call Charles Boyk Law today, we look forward to talking and listening to you.
