|
Causes of Mesothelioma
Answer: Exposure to Asbestos
In the United States, it is widely accepted that when a mesothelioma cancer develops, the most likely cause is asbestos exposure. Physicians almost uniformly agree on this fact. Given the extremely long latency period of this disease, initial symptoms may not occur from 15 to 50 years after the exposure occurred.
Asbestos, which was in widely used commercially throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, became a household name because of its extensive use and its capacity to be easily manufactured. It has been estimated that asbestos was used in over 5,000 products across the United States. From construction sites and ship yards, to home and school remodeling, millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos during this period and the deadly effects of this carcinogen will be profound in the coming decades.
Asbestos is dangerous due to its fibrous nature. When the fibers are released into the air, they can be swallowed or inhaled, becoming embedded in the body. If inhaled into the lungs, the asbestos causes serious health problems such as difficulty breathing and reduced blood flow to the lungs and nearby organs. When the fibers reach the mesothelium, they cause cellular changes leading to an uncontrolled growth of cells and mesothelioma cancer.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. For more information on the causes of mesothelioma and this disease's legal ramifications, please call one of our experienced attorneys and learn your rights.
|
|
