Deadly Fibers: What To Know About Asbestos

If you work in certain industries, you should know that you may be in danger of being exposed to a dangerous toxic substance known as asbestos. Exposure to this substance can be life-threatening and compensation is available. Read on to learn more about asbestos and about how you could be entitled to money damages.

1. While every state has a statute of limitations, newly discovered past exposure to a toxic substance like asbestos presents an opportunity to take advantage of an important exception to those statutes. Substances like asbestos affect the body in ways that may not become apparent until many years later.
2. Asbestos is primarily used in the construction industry and has been prized for many years for its ability to resist heat, fire, sound, chemicals and electricity.
3. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung disorders and several kinds of lung cancers. The damage is done by the inhaling of the tiny asbestos fibers which lodge in the lung tissue. Over time, scar tissue forms around the tiny fibers in the body's attempt to protect itself from this foreign body. The scar tissue builds up and causes the lung diseases. Mesothlioma and asbestos's are just two types of cancer that can be directly linked to asbestos exposure.
4. Thousands upon thousands of products rely on asbestos: roofing materials, brakes pads, flooring and more.
5. While any exposure to asbestos could be dangerous for those already suffering from lung problems or immune disorders, brief and accidental exposure should be no cause for concern.
6. Knowing how dangerous this substance is, it may come as a surprise to learn that asbestos is still widely used in the United States. The EPA has banned only six categories of asbestos products to date.
7. Asbestos litigation represents the largest single mass tort in the history of awards in the United States with a payout of $322 million in money damages.
8. The initial symptoms of asbestos related disorders can easily be mistaken for flu or other medical conditions, and include shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, weight loss and chest pains.
9. While occasional asbestos exposure is not a concern, there is reason for family members of workers exposed to asbestos to worry. Workers can carry the tiny fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair and people who come in contact with those toxic fibers can be affected, given enough time and exposure.
10. If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of this toxic substance, you should know that a trust of $20 billion dollars is available for compensation. Speak to an attorney, likeKidwell & Gallagher LTD, about your asbestos-related medical issues today.