Mesothelioma is a potentially deadly cancer that often is tied to exposure to asbestos particles and dust. Microscopic asbestos fibers can enter your lungs while you breathe and embed themselves in the tissue lining your lungs. Those embedded fibers can irritate your lungs and cause extensive scarring and tumors to develop into mesothelioma. Illinois bans the use of asbestos and has rigid guidelines for its safe removal when found in older structures during demolition or renovation.
Illinois requires approve plans for asbestos removal
The formerly prolific asbestos use within the construction industry for several decades means that many buildings still have the potentially deadly material inside. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is the designated enforcement body for the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, including asbestos mitigation efforts. Whenever asbestos rears its ugly head during renovations, demolitions and disposals, the state must be informed and given a documented plan for safe handling. If that plan does not meet muster, the project stops until a safe plan earns approval from state environmental experts.
Actor Steve McQueen among past mesothelioma victims
Asbestos use once was more prolific than now, and some people who worked directly with it wound up losing their lives because of it. Famed actor Steve McQueen died from mesothelioma and attributed his exposure to asbestos while serving in the U.S. Navy as the likely cause of his demise. He also likely suffered ongoing exposure due to the use of asbestos on various movie sets.
Like McQueen, many people continue suffering from the effects of mesothelioma due to prior asbestos use. If asbestos removal is mishandled and causes health problems for bystanders and others, liability becomes a big issue. The cost of treating mesothelioma can be very high and could lead to death in extreme cases. A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit may ensue.
