Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPFindLaw IM Template2023-12-11T12:36:51Zhttps://www.wcklaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1100762/2019/01/cropped-site-identity-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=486582023-12-08T20:39:04Z2023-12-11T12:36:51ZHomes and buildings constructed before 1980
The extensive use of asbestos in building materials was common until the late 1970s. Older homes and structures may contain asbestos in various forms, including insulation, roofing, flooring and siding. Disturbing these materials during renovation or demolition can release the hazardous fibers into the air.
Schools and educational facilities
Many schools built before the 1980s utilized asbestos in their construction. As these buildings age, maintenance or renovation projects could inadvertently expose students, teachers and staff to asbestos fibers.
Industrial and manufacturing plants
Industrial settings have historically employed asbestos due to its heat-resistant properties. Facilities involved in manufacturing, power generation and chemical processing are likely to have asbestos-containing materials in their infrastructure. Workers in these environments may be at high risk of exposure if proper precautions are not taken.
Shipyards and naval bases
The maritime industry heavily relied on asbestos due to its fireproofing and insulation capabilities.
Automotive repair shops
Until asbestos regulations came about, brake pads and linings frequently contained asbestos fibers. Mechanics working on older vehicles or using aftermarket parts could be at risk of inhaling these harmful fibers. Proper handling and disposal procedures are crucial to prevent exposure.
Natural disasters and demolitions
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes can damage buildings that contain asbestos. Similarly, demolishing older structures without proper asbestos abatement measures can release dangerous fibers into the environment, posing a risk to first responders and nearby communities.
Understanding where asbestos exposure can occur and adhering to safety protocols is important for safeguarding public health. By raising awareness about potential asbestos sources, people can work towards a safer environment for all.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=486532023-09-20T19:18:22Z2023-10-02T11:17:50ZHealth implications
Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to severe health problems. Over time, these fibers can accumulate in your lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. This buildup can result in diseases like asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes shortness of breath and, in more severe cases, can be fatal.
More alarmingly, asbestos exposure also correlates with an increased risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. These diseases often manifest many years after exposure, making early detection and intervention important.
Pervasiveness in older structures
If you reside in or frequently visit older buildings, the chance of encountering asbestos-laden materials is high. Before researchers identified the health risks, manufacturers favored asbestos for various products, from roofing shingles to insulation to floor tiles. Due to its widespread use, many older structures still contain asbestos, posing a risk if they undergo renovation or demolition.
Unseen but present
One of the most unnerving characteristics of asbestos is its invisibility to the naked eye. Asbestos-containing materials, when disturbed, release microscopic fibers into the air. You can unknowingly inhale these fibers, making it essential to take precautions when dealing with potential asbestos materials.
The importance of professional handling
Given the health risks, if you suspect the presence of asbestos in a building or home, it is important not to attempt its removal on your own. Professionals trained in asbestos abatement possess the tools and knowledge to handle and dispose of this material safely. They will ensure minimal release of fibers into the air, safeguarding your health and those around you.
The concerns surrounding asbestos exposure are well-founded and serious. While its hazardous nature might not be immediately evident, the long-term health implications are undeniable. Being informed, cautious and proactive when dealing with potential asbestos exposure will go a long way in ensuring your safety and well-being.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=486502023-09-20T19:14:07Z2023-09-20T19:14:07ZMesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. It is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. The inhaled fibers can become lodged in the body, leading to inflammation and the eventual development of cancerous cells.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Over time, the fibers can cause scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough and chest pain. While not cancerous, asbestosis can severely impact your quality of life.
Lung cancer
Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The risk is even higher for those who smoke or have other risk factors. Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure can take many years to develop, and early symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for other conditions.
Pleural plaques and effusions
Asbestos exposure can lead to pleural plaques, which are areas of thickening or calcification on the lining of the lungs (pleura). While usually not harmful on their own, they can be a sign of previous asbestos exposure and increase the risk of other related diseases.
Pleural effusions refer to a buildup of fluid in the space between the lungs and chest wall. This condition can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing and may be a complication of other asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to several severe and often life-threatening diseases. It is important that you are aware of the risks, and taking precautions to minimize exposure is essential, especially if you live or work in an environment where asbestos may be present. Regular medical check-ups and monitoring for symptoms can also help with early detection and treatment, improving the chances of a better outcome. Your health is paramount, so take the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you from the dangers of asbestos.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=483312023-07-26T04:58:08Z2023-07-27T04:57:57ZMesothelioma diagnosis
Arguably the worst outcome of asbestos exposure is a mesothelioma diagnosis. According to MedlinePlus, this cancerous disease can cause lots of symptoms including the following:
Pain and swelling in your abdomen
Difficulty breathing
Pain under your ribcage
Unexplained weight loss
You may need aggressive treatments to eradicate the disease and even if they are successful, you might need ongoing treatments to manage your symptoms.
Inability to work
Dealing with the symptoms of asbestos exposure could debilitate you and make it so you cannot work. This could result in lost income and benefits and lower morale. You may need to look for support for people with permanent disabilities and might need to boycott your career entirely.
Lower quality of life
Dealing with the ongoing consequences of asbestos exposure can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Constant pain, difficulty breathing and a consistent cough may interfere with your comfort and lower your quality of life.
In serious cases, your exposure to asbestos could deteriorate your health to the point where it reduces your life expectancy. If left untreated, asbestos exposure could have a fatal outcome. Your diligence in finding good health care may preserve your life despite the challenges that exposure brings.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=483292023-07-26T04:56:38Z2023-07-26T04:56:38ZIndustries at high risk for exposure
Asbestos inherently had excellent properties for construction, but not for the people working with it. Even today, renovators, other contractors, and firefighters face a potential risk with regard to the renovation, demolition, or destruction of a building with asbestos. Other occupations that have the potential to come into contact with asbestos include auto mechanics, railroad workers, shipbuilders, farmers, HVAC technicians, and factory workers.
Tips to minimize exposure
In a perfect world, employers should take charge to prevent their employees from getting exposed to asbestos. Three key ways to make that happen include ensuring a properly ventilated work environment, providing the proper personal protective gear and requiring its use, and limiting time spent in areas with any amount of asbestos.
Steps to take after potential exposure
Any person who suspects a potential exposure should take swift action. Immediately wash the entire body and clothes, or even properly dispose of clothes. Next, communicate with a supervisor about exposure concerns. Last, do not assume a little exposure will not cause damage. Always seek medical attention to monitor the lungs.
The effects of asbestos exposure do not happen overnight. Knowing the risk and taking the right steps may help minimize the chances of a chronic or deadly illness.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=483122023-07-15T12:35:47Z2023-07-15T12:35:47ZYour employer's responsibility
Employers have a responsibility to ensure their employees' safety, which includes providing them with the necessary personal protective equipment and training to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure. If your employer did not disclose the potential for asbestos exposure, they could potentially be failing in their obligation to maintain a safe workplace.
Potential health effects
Exposure to asbestos could lead to severe health issues over time, including asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The latency period of these diseases is often extensive, which means you may not notice symptoms until many years after exposure.
How to respond
If you find that your employer did not inform you about the asbestos risk at your job, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention if you have faced exposure. You also need to ensure that you report this issue to the appropriate authorities so that they can conduct an investigation.
Your safety at work is paramount. Always ensure that you are aware of your workplace environment and the potential hazards it may present.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=483082023-06-28T20:44:14Z2023-06-28T20:44:14Z1. What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers most of our internal organs. The most common type, pleural mesothelioma, impacts the tissue surrounding the lungs.
The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a natural mineral once widely used in construction, insulation and other industries. Tiny asbestos fibers, when inhaled or swallowed, can become lodged in the body and over time can cause cell damage that leads to cancer.
2. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma often takes a long time to develop; its symptoms may not appear until decades after asbestos exposure. Symptoms differ depending on the type of mesothelioma but can include chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath and unexplained weight loss.
Because these symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice.
3. What treatments are available for mesothelioma?
There are several treatment options available for mesothelioma, including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Doctors often use a combination of these treatments, depending on the stage of the disease and the overall health of the patient.
In recent years, clinical trials have explored new treatments, such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy. These innovative treatments aim to improve survival rates and quality of life for mesothelioma patients.
If you think you experienced exposure to asbestos, it is important to talk to a medical professional. They can provide guidance, carry out necessary tests and offer support and treatment options if needed.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=483062023-06-21T00:24:36Z2023-06-21T00:24:36ZLimit your exposure
Entering your profession, you may have known full well that you will encounter asbestos. However, excessive exposure can have a crippling impact and is an outcome your employer should work hard to prevent. Some examples of ways they can limit your exposure include the following:
Imposing limits on the amount of time you spend in unprotected areas
Tracking your exposure over time to prevent excessive contact
If you suspect that asbestos exposure is to blame for the symptoms you currently experience, you should approach your employer for a solution.
Prioritize wearing personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment can do a lot to safeguard you from exposure. Some of the things you might wear include a respirator, some type of head covering, gloves, synthetic foot coverings and coveralls. A facepiece with an air purifier can also make a tremendous difference in your protection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should also make sure to remove any asbestos-exposed clothing prior to leaving the workplace. Take a shower and put on clean clothing before returning home. This will prevent asbestos from contaminating your home and affecting those you love.
Staying safe from asbestos requires vigilance and common sense. Follow safety protocols and prioritize your health so you can stay safe.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=483042023-05-27T19:39:40Z2023-05-27T19:39:40ZUnraveling the causes
Workers in construction, shipbuilding and insulation industries have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to prolonged exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can lodge in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, causing severe damage.
Identifying the symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on where the cancer occurs. Pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the lungs, may present symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and persistent coughing. Peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdomen, can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, swelling and unexplained weight loss. The latency period between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms can span decades, often leading to late-stage diagnosis.
Detecting mesothelioma
Mesothelioma detection often involves a combination of imaging tests, blood tests and biopsies. Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans can help identify abnormal tissue areas. Blood tests can detect certain substances that are higher in individuals with mesothelioma. A biopsy, involving the removal of a small tissue sample, provides the most definitive diagnosis.
Treating mesothelioma
Treatment options for mesothelioma can depend on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Recent advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapy offer potential new avenues for treatment. A team of medical professionals typically collaborates to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient.
From recognizing the symptoms to exploring the available treatments, mesothelioma awareness can lead to early detection and potentially improved outcomes. Advancements in medical research continue to provide hope for those battling this challenging disease.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPhttps://www.wcklaw.com/?p=483022023-05-19T20:54:31Z2023-05-19T20:54:31ZHow to identify potentially dangerous materials
Generally, the only way to tell if a material has asbestos in it is if the manufacturer labeled it. If you suspect that something may contain asbestos, it is best to leave it alone.
If you plan to remodel or your home contains damaged materials, you should have it inspected by a professional. These individuals know what to search for when looking for asbestos and will take samples from suspicious materials to identify them. Sampling materials is dangerous. Therefore, you should not attempt it yourself.
What to do if you have it in your home
First things first, do not panic. If no one has damaged or disturbed the materials, they do not pose significant health risks. As long as they are in good condition, you should leave them alone.
What to not do when there is asbestos in your house
If you have it in your home, you should not do the following:
Dust, sweep or vacuum the materials
Saw, sand, scrap or drill into them
Use abrasive cleaners on asbestos floors
Sand or level asbestos floors
Move the materials throughout your house
These activities can all cause asbestos particles to get into the air, which makes them dangerous to your health.
If you develop mesothelioma due to asbestos in your home, you may be eligible for compensation. Be sure to document your case so that you can fight for the funds to pay for your treatment.]]>