The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma results from breathing microscopic asbestos fibers into the lungs or swallowing them in our food. Once the fibers get into our bodies, they become lodged in our internal tissue. The body attempts, in vain, to eliminate the asbestos fibers. Over the years the body's fight against these fibers can cause the buildup of scar tissue (asbestosis) and, in some cases, the development of cancer, including throat cancer, lung cancer stomach cancer, colon cancer, and mesothelioma.
Throughout the 20th century, millions of tons of asbestos were mined in our country and put in thousands of products. Asbestos was very inexpensive and was used as a filler in many different products. For example, asbestos was used in cements, drywall muds, brake and clutch linings, roof shingles, gaskets, flooring products, paints, textiles and insulation.
Smoking does not cause mesothelioma.
Generally, it takes 10 to 60 years from the time of asbestos exposure until symptoms appear or mesothelioma is diagnosed. This time is called the "latency" period.
The companies that used asbestos knew as early as 1918 that asbestos was dangerous to the workers, to their families, and to the public. The companies commissioned medical studies that revealed these dangers. But the companies chose profits over safety and hid these studies. They provided no warnings about the dangers. As a result, thousands of Americans have been killed by asbestos.
Health experts predict that Americans will continue to suffer from asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma, for decades to come.
Many of the companies have established trust funds to pay compensation to persons injured by asbestos.
If you have mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related injury, and wish to consult an attorney about your legal rights to compensation, CLICK HERE for a free consultation.
