What is Asbestos? Risk Factors, Exposure and Lawsuits
Asbestos in a deadly substance that has many industrial, construction, and military uses. Asbestos occurs naturally and must be mined in order for it to be used. The primary kind of asbestos fibers are Serpentine and Amphiboles. Chrysotile is a form of serpentine fiber that is encountered often in the industrialized world. Chrysotile appears curly and flexible when seen under the microscope. Amphibole asbestos fibers, on the other hand, appear straight and thin and are divided into subcategories.
- Crocidolite
- Amosite
- Anthrophylite
- Tremolite
- Actinolyte
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of the above,Crocidolite is the most infamous because of its role in causing cancer. This does not mean that other types of asbestos are safe. They have also been linked to cancer. Crocidolite is just more deadly.
Asbestos Exposure by Inhalation
Research has shown that inhaled asbestos fibers cause physical irritation resulting in cancer, rather than the cancer being caused by a reaction that is more chemical in nature. Fibers which are inhaled through the mouth and nose are cleared from the body by adhering to mucus in the nose, throat and airways. They then get expelled by coughing or swallowing. Some fibers do not clear easily and it is therefore thought that they can get embedded into the tissue of victims causing asbestos related illnesses.
Asbestos Exposure Risk Areas
People who work in occupations that are known for asbestos exposure include, but are not limited to;
- Navy yard workers
- Insulation installers
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Pipe fitters
- Welders
- Railroad workers
- Power plant workers
- Chemical plant workers
- Boilermakers
- Auto mechanics
Dangers of Asbestos Related Illnesses
Thousands of Americans die annually due to asbestos related illness. Individuals that have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illness are legally entitled to compensation because of these court findings. Many asbestos exposure victims or their heirs have received monetary assistance to help with medical cost and lost revenue.
Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos related cancers and illnesses were caused by the negligence of companies which manufactured asbestos-containing materials and knew about the problems that asbestos exposure caused, however they chose to keep information from workers. It is known that the manufactures that made asbestos containing products knew about the risks of asbestos in the 1920's.
Victims of Asbestos Exposure
If you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos you should let your doctor know about it and receive regular screenings, because the sooner asbestos related illnesses and cancers are detected the better it is.
