People diagnosed with mesothelioma in Illinois just curious commonly want to know what amount of asbestos causes mesothelioma and a safe level of exposure to asbestos. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. Even one exposure to a small amount of asbestos could be risky.
A little over 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States get diagnosed annually. Only caused by breathing asbestos particles, it commonly begins in the pleura, lung lining, which gives it the name pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the stomach lining. The particles are sharp enough to cut the lining, and mutation occurs from fibers irritating the cells.
Someone constantly exposed to the fibers has a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain occupations are risk factors, such as electrical work, mechanics, shipbuilding, armed forces, and construction. Military veterans make up about 30% of diagnosed cases. However, exposure could occur from non-risk occupations, and workers can cause second-hand exposure in others from the dust particles on their work clothing.
The use of asbestos in building material did not get restricted before 1980. Between the 1940s and 1970s, more workers got exposed. The baby boomer generation was the first to work under the regulations, but the new restriction has not prohibited asbestos from being used in most industries.
Mesothelioma treatment does not come cheap, and many people do not have the funds to pay for it. If the patient does not have insurance and dies, in some states, the family may be liable to pay debt from medical treatment. Even with medical insurance, the payments for treatment is often capped.
Mesothelioma may not show up in patients for 20-50 years after exposure, so they may not know they have it until late stages. Places of employment should be held liable for exposure. An asbestos/mesothelioma attorney may be able to assist them in getting compensation.
