Exposure to asbestos presents many risks, including severe and life-threatening illnesses or death. Breathing in the toxic fibers can lead to fibrosis, which is scar tissue in the lungs, or to a form of cancer called mesothelioma.
You have the right to pursue legal action if you have suffered harm from exposure to toxic material. Call a knowledgeable Moundsville asbestos exposure lawyer to schedule an appointment and learn more about filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Asbestos is a type of mineral with high resistance to corrosion, heat, and electricity. Such natural tenacity made it a popular mineral for creating products such as paper, cloth, insulation, and other construction materials until several agencies began linking it to severe illness.
While the United States does not ban the use of asbestos altogether, products must not contain more than one percent of the mineral. Exposure resulting from inhaling or ingesting its fibers presents many health risks. Essential facts about the mineral include:
Advocates seek a total ban on using asbestos in the U.S. or worldwide, as its elimination would significantly decrease rates of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a severe and aggressive form of cancer resulting from inhaling asbestos fibers into the lungs, where they get stuck. People with higher rates of exposure, such as those working in nearby steel mills, have an increased risk of a mesothelioma diagnosis. While there is no cure, surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy treatments can improve the symptoms and extend life expectancy. Symptoms of the disease include:
During your consultation, a Moundsville asbestos exposure attorney can answer your questions about the risks associated with inhaling the toxic material.
If you work in manual labor trades, you are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure. Therefore, federal and state governments strictly regulate the qualification and certification requirements for handling toxic material to reduce the likelihood of contracting illnesses. The Toxic Substances Control Act provides that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to govern the rules and requirements for producing, using, or disposing of asbestos and other toxic materials or chemicals that are harmful to people.
The Act directs that the federal EPA and state EPA-authorized agencies can gather information from businesses regarding any potential work-related risks and ensure their compliance. The purpose of the regulations and the agencies authorized to mandate them is to protect workers and the public from unreasonable risks from material exposure.
An asbestos exposure lawyer in Moundsville could investigate to determine the source of your exposure and whether your illness resulted from negligence and a failure to adhere to the statutes.
While asbestos was once a common mineral used throughout the U.S. to manufacture many products, governmental agencies began linking it to severe illness decades ago. Since then, federal and state agencies have enacted laws to regulate safety procedures and reduce the risk of asbestos exposure.
You have the right to hold the responsible party accountable if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Moundsville asbestos exposure lawyer, and we will review your case and discuss your options.
