These 10 facts are a good basis of knowledge to help educate you or a loved one about the preventable disease, mesothelioma.
1. Mesothelioma Defined:
- Is a cancer of the mesothelial tissue – the protective lining of the lungs, the abdominal cavity and in rarer cases, the heart.
2. Causes:
- The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are microscopic so a person is not aware that they have actually ingested the naturally occurring mineral. Exposure typically occurred in an occupational setting but not always. Family members who handled laundry of a person who worked with asbestos have also been the victims of mesothelioma
3. What Amount of Exposure is Safe?
- No amount of exposure is considered safe. Once exposed, no matter the level or concentration of exposure a person may be at risk for developing mesothelioma.
4. Mesothelioma Has A Very Long Latency Period
- Latency periods or the time it takes from the actual exposure to when a person may be diagnosed can range from 20 to 50 years.
5. Asbestos Was Used in Thousands of Products
- In the United States alone asbestos was used in over 3,000 different products. The US military used over 300 different products that contained asbestos.
6. Navy Veterans are Particularly at Risk
- About 1/3 of all victims of mesothelioma that are diagnosed each year are navy vets. To see other jobs at high risk click here.
7. There are Two Different Kinds of Asbestos Fibers
- The two types of fibers are called serpentine and amphibole. Amphibole is known as the more dangerous of the two because of its hook like architecture which allows it to lodge itself easier into the lungs
8. Asbestos is Still Legal In the US
- Despite its deadly effects and despite the fact that 55 countries have banned the use of asbestos, it is still legal in the United States. In fact in 2012 the US imported more than a billion tons of asbestos
9. How Many People Does Mesothelioma Effect a Year
- Roughly 3000 to 3,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States every year. The average age of diagnosis is 60.
10. Treatment Options
- Unfortunately there is still no cure for mesothelioma but there are treatment options that range from surgery to chemotherapy. Treatment depends largely at what point you are able to successfully diagnose the cancer. While the cure does not currently exist we are currently looking for one. Click here to read up on our progress.
The Paul Law Firm advocates for victims of asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, call the Paul Law Firm. With over 2 billion dollars collected for victims of asbestos exposure, we have the knowledge and the experience to fight for you. We also understand that fighting doesn't just happen in the courtroom it also happens in a lab where we are fighting for a cure. Check out the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America here.
Call us today at 1-855 88 LEGAL (885-3425) or contact us online to discuss your case with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers.
