Asbestos among primary mesothelioma risk factors

There are specific risk factors for many diseases. Even though you may have one or more risk factors, that doesn’t mean that you will automatically get the disease. Not having any risk factors doesn’t mean you won’t get the disease, either. There are some risk factors that can increase your chances of getting mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure is a primary risk factor for pleural mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers get into the lungs, they enter the chest wall and the lining of the lungs. The cells in the lining are injured, which can eventually result in mesothelioma. Those fibers can also damage the lungs’ cells and result in lung cancer or asbestosis.

It’s believed that millions of people in this country have already been exposed to this dangerous substance. Asbestos was once used as insulation in public and commercial buildings, including some schools, and in older homes. While exposure to asbestos usually only occurs when those building materials are removed or begin to decompose, there are some occupations that also had serious exposure to asbestos in the past. These included ship builders, railroad workers, factory workers, some miners, plumbers and construction workers, just to name a few.

It can take 20 to 50 years to develop mesothelioma after the first time someone is exposed to asbestos. Even if there is no more exposure to asbestos, the risk for developing mesothelioma appears to be ongoing.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should consider whether it could have been caused by asbestos exposure. At MHK Attorneys, we know how frightening it can be to have a diagnosis of mesothelioma. However, we are here to help you and your family during this difficult time. Contact an experienced MHK attorney.