Cancer from Asbestos – What are the Chances?
Cancer from asbestos is called mesothelioma. This is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the mesothelial cells which line the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Most everyone has become exposed to asbestos at one point or another since asbestos is in the air, water, and soil. The people at the highest risk for developing cancer from asbestos include people who work with asbestos, family members of people who work with asbestos, and people living nearby asbestos active asbestos mining sites.
The chances of developing cancer from asbestos are highest for people who work with asbestos or who have been in contact with large doses of this mineral for one reason or another. People have been exposed to this mineral in the work force since the late 1800s when commercial asbestos mining began. The people at risk for developing cancer from asbestos include all people who have worked with this mineral.
Other people at risk for developing cancer from asbestos include construction workers and demolition workers who work on sites that contain asbestos. Since the 1970s however, the chances of being exposed to damaging amounts of asbestos in the workforce have decreased dramatically. Once the effects of asbestos exposure were known, governmental regulations were put in place to limit the levels of asbestos exposure. This makes the chances of developing cancer from asbestos exponentially less likely.
Even though asbestos regulations have been put in place to protect laborers who work with this mineral, there are still chances of developing cancer from asbestos. A good example of this would be the World Trade Center (WTC). On September 11th, when the WTC was blown up, 100s of tons of asbestos were released into the air. Asbestos was used in the building of the North Tower so when it was demolished, the asbestos was released. People at risk for developing cancer from asbestos in a situation include everyone working at ground zero, people living nearby, and people working in businesses nearby.
If there is a chance that you’ve been exposed to asbestos it is advisable that you seek medical attention. If you are diagnosed with cancer from asbestos and would like to know your rights, contact an asbestos lawyer today.
Tags: cancer from asbestos, Mesothelioma