What is Asbestos and How Does it Cause Disease? By David Barnet

Asbestos is an extremely toxic, naturally found mineral that was once used in home and boat insulation, brake pads, and floor and ceiling tiles. In around 1980 asbestos was determined to cause several life-threatening asbestos exposure-related diseases (asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma).

Asbestos fibers are inhaled and get trapped in the lungs causing scar tissue and chronic inflammatory lesions. These lesions lead to difficult breathing and in some case become cancerous.

There has been a great increase in the number of cases of pleural mesothelioma diagnosed recently because often this disease doesnt manifest until years after exposure (in some cases 40 years). This means that thousands of construction workers, drywallers, shipbuilders, floor covering installers, automobile repair workers, cementers, oil refinery workers, and many other laborers who worked with asbestos between 1940 and 1980 are at serious risk of developing asbestos exposure related illnessess such as pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) or asbestosis.

If you think you have worked with or have been exposed to asbestos, you may be at risk for developing asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. You should contact a mesothelioma or personal injury attorney who deals especially with asbestos exposure-related diseases and mesothelioma in your area. They will almost certainly be able to help you obtain the compensation you may deserve.

In fact, despite evidence that it was dangerous, many of these companies ignored the potential risks of asbestos exposure, continuing to manufacture asbestos products without the necessary employee protection.

Starting in the 1970s the US government started to take action by restricting and regulating the use of asbestos. For many people this action came far too late. Thousands of workers in these industries have since developed serious, life-threatening asbestos exposure-related diseases, including asbestosis, pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and lung cancer. For these people, there is certianly now hope, both medically and legally. Read on to learn more about contacting a mesothelioma attorney and doctor.

David Barnet writes about personal law issues because he believes people have a right to know all the facts before making a claim. If you are unsure of how to find a lawyer to help you with your claim, then look no further. Use our free information today to help you get on the right road to making a successful claim.

The Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is being discovered more and more frequently in elderly men. The most common cause of mesothelioma is from asbestos exposure and affects the membrane of many of the most vital internal organs such as the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is particularly hard to diagnose because it shows similar symptoms to many other more common diseases.

The most common form of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma accounts for 75% of all mesothelioma cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and has symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, breathing and swallowing difficulties, shortness of breath, wheezing and weight loss. These symptoms apply to many less serious diseases but anyone with signs of these symptoms are strongly advised to consult their doctor as soon as possible.

A less common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma and this form of the cancer affects the abdomen. The tissue lining the abdomen is called the peritoneum and this is what is affected. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 20% of all mesothelioma cases. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are weight loss, abdominal pains, loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, and abdominal swelling. These symptoms become more and more severe as the cancer develops. To learn more about these symptoms go to http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

Those who are exposed to asbestos or have been exposed have a risk of obtaining mesothelioma. It is important that mesothelioma is diagnosed in its early stages so that it can be treated quickly and aggressively. The earlier it is discovered, the more likely the treatment will be successful.

What Is The Difference Between Mesothelioma And Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is not nescessarily fatal, but can decrease lung capacity and lead to heart failure. It causes chronic scarring in the plueral walls and can actually lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, on the other hand is a rare form of cancer caused by prlonged expsosure to asbestos. This cancer is highly resistant to conventional radiotherapy and chemo drugs, and very often has a poor survival rate.

Asbestos Exposure and Life Threatening Diseases

Asbestos exposure has been linked to life threatening diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos exposure is also the main reason behind a non-cancerous disease commonly known as asbestosis. When suffering from asbestosis, there is going to be scarring of the lung tissue. Majority of asbestos exposure related diseases come from the asbestos fibers inhalation. People breathe in asbestos particles at the time of asbestos exposure and therefore fibers settle in a lung tissue.

Number of asbestos-related diseases does not show any symptoms even ten years after being exposed to asbestos. However, there are certain individuals that start showing serious symptoms within two or three months of asbestos exposure. The asbestos exposure length often decides the complexity of the disease. If you have developed asbestos-related condition because of being exposed to asbestos, you can get compensation for your damages.

Corporate Responsibility

Asbestos exposure has resulted in a huge upheaval with regard to corporate liability.
According to recent research, more and more people are filing mesothelioma lawsuits citing asbestos exposure as the main reason. You may not believe but it is true that thousands of millions in claims have already been paid out. There is a development of multi-billion dollar trust fund which offers compensation for people that are suffering from mesothelioma.

At this moment of time, a mesothelioma lawyer is normally regarded as an expert in the field. Mesothelioma legal experts are aware of all the intricacies associated with asbestos exposure. Their knowledge is going to help you in getting compensation from your company.

Asbestos Exposure - Are you at risk?

In the twentieth century, one of the most commonly used industrial materials was asbestos. The significant thing to note about asbestos is that it is often the main reason responsible for mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is quite a serious cancer that has an impact on the lungs membranes, abdominal cavity and the heart. Mesothelioma diagnosis normally occurs twenty of thirty years after the initial asbestos exposure.

Do Not Say it Directly

To break the news of pericardial mesothelioma, make sure that you wait for the right moment and do not say it directly to him. Try to prepare your boyfriend mentally about this disease. More importantly, make him feel that you are going to support him in every stage, irrespective of the situation.