Asbestos Poisoning
Asbestos is a fireproof mineral that was widely used in the past and can be found in homes, offices, and various other buildings. Due to the danger that asbestos poses, it has not been widely used since the 1970's, although many older homes and buildings may still contain Asbestos. When an individual is exposed to asbestos, he or she may suffer from serious medical problems.
Products containing asbestos are used in a variety of professions and may affect the following workers:
- Automotive and mechanic workers
- Construction workers
- Factory workers
- Railroad workers
Asbestos poisoning occurs when a person inhales airborne asbestos fibers. The results of asbestos exposure in California may include long or short term physical consequences, especially to the lungs and digestive system. Many people do not discover that they have asbestos poisoning until ten to thirty years after they have been exposed because the symptoms may not appear right away. Asbestos poisoning has been known to cause various forms of cancer, as well as pulmonary hypertension (a rare disorder that affects blood vessels in the lungs), asbestosis disease, immunological effects, and other serious conditions.
Mesothelioma kills approximately 10,000 people every year. Mesothelioma is the most common form of asbestos poisoning related cancer, although it may take up to fifty years to be identified in the victims due to the lack of noticeable signs. Some of the symptoms of Mesothelioma include breathing problems, pains in the chest, nausea, unexpected weight loss, edema, and the build up of fluid in the lungs.
In addition to Mesothelioma, asbestos poisoning can cause "Asbestosis," a non-cancerous disorder caused by scarring that forms on the tissue of the lungs. Some signs of Asbestosis include difficulty breathing, as well as difficulties with the intake and exchange of oxygen and gases. Asbestosis may take up to thirty years to be diagnosed and may result in long lasting disabilities or death.
Cases in this area of the law are complex and present unique challenges, beginning with proper medical diagnosis. If you or a loved one is suffering from Mesothelioma or Asbestosis, or think you might be, you urgently need legal representation. Call Jensen & Associates today to learn more about your rights.