Asbestos is a mineral that was once commonly used in construction. However, it has been linked to a number of health problems, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and can be deadly. While all types of asbestos may cause mesothelioma, some types are more dangerous than others.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of asbestos and their risks of causing mesothelioma. We will also explore how you can protect yourself from exposure to asbestos.
What Is Asbestos, and What Are the Different Types of Asbestos Fibers?
Asbestos is a group of silicate minerals that generally exist in two families and six different fiber types. They all occur naturally and are mined for various uses across the globe. While the United States does not actively mine asbestos, they still import lots of it each year.
The six asbestos fibers differ in their composition and use. Some asbestos fiber is also much safer than others. However, you should know that no asbestos fiber is entirely secure. Asbestos exposure has been known to have dire effects on human beings. Here are the six asbestos fibers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Chrysotile
Also known as white asbestos, this is the most common of six asbestos fibers. It is often used on roofs, walls, ceilings, and floors. It is also used in reinforcing car parts, such as the brakes and gaskets, to make them heat resistant.
Crocidolite
This is the blue asbestos. It is the most dangerous fiber and often leads to mesothelioma. It is often used in pipe insulation and cement products. Some spray-on coatings may also have traces of this asbestos fiber.
Amosite
Amosite asbestos is also known as brown asbestos. Its common uses include pipe insulation, cement sheets, and thermal insulation.
Anthophyllite
Anthophyllite may be gray or white. Other times, depending on its concentration, it may appear as a dull green. You can find traces of anthophyllite in talc and vermiculite. This fiber is often used in construction.
Tremolite and Actinolite
These two fibers are often classified together. They are not commercial asbestos and may exist in a wide range of colors depending on their composition. While these two calcium amphiboles may have the same structure, their chemical composition is slightly different.
What Are the Health Risks Associated With Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure poses plenty of risks. The longer you are exposed to asbestos, and the higher the concentration, the more dangerous the effects will be.
Asbestosis
Breathing in the asbestos fibers can cause scarring of your lungs in a condition known as asbestosis. Your breathing may become more labored as the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide becomes harder in scarred tissue. The condition is more common in people who have had prolonged exposure. However, you should know that its symptoms take a long time to appear.
Pleural Disease
While it is non-cancerous, this disease may pose many breathing complications for its patients. It manifests as a change in the lung membrane, making it thicker than it ought to be. It also causes fluid retention in the lungs. The worst thing about this disease is that its symptoms are often subtle, and you may not realize them until they worsen.
Lung Cancer
If you are a tobacco smoker and get asbestos exposure for a prolonged period, then you are likely to develop lung cancer. This is a malignant tumor that may block your lung passages, highly interfering with their function.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the membrane covering your respiratory organs. While it is a rare cancer, it is one of the most dangerous effects of asbestos exposure. Once exposed to asbestos, the effects may only manifest 30 years after your exposure.
Other Cancers
Apart from your lungs, asbestos exposure may also affect parts of your body. It may travel through your lymphatic system and into your bloodstream. In females, for instance, it can cause ovarian cancer. Asbestos is also a leading cause of colorectal, stomach, and larynx cancer.
What Type of Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma, and How Can You Avoid It?
Asbestos fibers differ in their structure. While the serpentine fibers are curvy, the amphibole fibers are needle-like. Because of their shape, amphibole fibers are harder to clear from the lungs. Crocidolite is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Your asbestos exposure may occur in three ways. You may be working in conditions that expose you to asbestos, come into contact with an exposed person, or get exposed in other areas of your life, such as your home.
If you suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos at any point in your life, it is best to contact your medical care provider without delay. While there is no way to reverse the effects of asbestos on your lungs, an early diagnosis can prevent the disease from getting worse or significantly slow down the effects of asbestos on your body.
You can protect yourself from mesothelioma by avoiding asbestos exposure altogether. However, if you work in an industry where you suspect a risk of asbestos exposure, use protective gear when handling asbestos-laced products. Also, remember to protect your family by cleaning up and removing any contaminated clothes before you join them at home.
How Much Money Can You Recover if You Have Been Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be wondering how much money you can recover from a legal settlement. The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your diagnosis, the type of mesothelioma you have, and whether you were exposed to asbestos at work or through other means.
An experienced asbestos injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and give you an accurate estimate of the amount of money you may be able to recover. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
What Are Your Legal Options if You Have Been Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be wondering what your legal options are. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, and it can take up to 50 years for the symptoms to appear.
As a result, many people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are only now beginning to experience the effects of this dangerous substance. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation. There are a few different ways to file a mesothelioma claim:
- You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the company or companies responsible for your exposure to asbestos.
- You can file a wrongful death lawsuit if someone you love has died from mesothelioma.
- You can file for workers’ compensation if your exposure to asbestos happened at work.
Each case is unique, so it’s important to speak with an experienced asbestos injury attorney to find out what option is best for you. An attorney can help you gather evidence, identify the liable parties, and maximize your compensation. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, don’t wait to get legal help.
Do Not Suffer With Mesothelioma Alone
Mesothelioma can have a long latency period. This means that the time between when someone is exposed to asbestos and when they develop mesothelioma can be many years. Unfortunately, many people diagnosed with mesothelioma only have a few months to live. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible.
Our asbestos injury attorneys can help you file a lawsuit against the company responsible for your exposure and get the compensation you deserve. We know how painful and distressing it is to endure the effects of asbestos exposure, and the last thing we would allow is for you to suffer while fighting your legal battle alone. Do not delay in filing your lawsuit. Reach out to us, and let’s begin the fight!
