Asbestos: Still a Serious Health Threat

Last week was National Asbestos Awareness Week, a relatively new occasion intended to increase awareness about the serious dangers of asbestos exposure. Although the use of asbestos has greatly declined, exposure still remains a major threat to the health of workers who repair old buildings and indeed anyone who comes into contact with the material. It’s long been known that asbestos can cause fatal conditions like lung cancer and mesothelioma, yet asbestos still isn’t banned in the U.S.

A naturally occurring mineral fiber, asbestos was widely used as an insulator and fire retardant until its negative health effects became apparent. When asbestos is disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. If inhaled, these fibers can cause diseases such as the ones mentioned above, as well as other conditions like asbestosis, a serious lung disease.  It’s clear that workers in construction and demolition, for example, are at high risk for asbestos exposure, but anyone who disturbs the material can suffer adverse health effects. And with greater exposure comes a higher chance of developing a potentially deadly condition.

Thousands are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually, and thousands more die from an asbestos-related disease each year. If you've suffered from any health issues related to asbestos exposure and would like help with a workers’ compensation claim, contact our workers’ compensation attorneys today.