The Maune Raichle Law Firm

Mesothelioma Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer which is associated with the mesothelium which surrounds our internal organs and helps to lubricate and facilitate the movement of organs within the chest and abdominal cavity. There are very strong links between the exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma; asbestos is in fact found to be responsible for over 90 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos exposure takes on average between 25 and 45 years to develop into mesothelioma and because of this the connection between the two has often been overlooked.

Although mesothelioma is one of the most prominently discussed illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos, it is in no way the only one. Asbestos has long been known to cause numerous health problems including asbestosis, the swelling around the mesothelium and lung wall which can often lead to mesothelioma. The health problems caused by asbestos exposure lead lawmakers to impose an asbestos ban in the United States in the mid 70's which effective stopped the use of all friable forms of asbestos in the US and required employers to inform workers regarding the health hazards of asbestos in the case of future removal of asbestos.

Asbestos is a family of minerals which have long been used in fire proofing and insulation of electricity and heat. Asbestos is still mined around the world today and finds its way into a great many products, but regulations usually limit its use to things like roofing tiles and friction pads, where asbestos particles are unlikely to ever become airborne. Although asbestos exposure is minimal today, many who were exposed to asbestos years ago in the daily duties of their jobs are just starting to develop illnesses related to asbestos exposure now. Many individuals not currently inflicted with mesothelioma or any other asbestos related illness will develop one in the future.