Asbestosis, like Mesothelioma, is a disease caused by prolonged exposure to the mineral asbestos. Asbestosis is not a cancer, instead it is a respiratory ailment that is caused by scarring from the asbestos fibers being inhaled into the lungs. Because of this scarring, the lungs are unable to expand and contract, therefore limiting a patients ability to breathe. The seriousness of the asbestosis disease is dependent on the exposure to asbestosis and on whether or not the person was a cigarette smoker, which can make asbestosis more severe.
Asbestos is a heat and electricity resistant mineral that was mined in America heavily in the 1800’s. It became extremely popular during the industrial boom of the 1940’s through the 1960’s but as health problems became more prominent, it has been phased out of workplaces and use in products. It has been used in everything from cement to textiles to roofing and even as an anti-fire insulator in many school buildings.
Nevertheless, millions of people were exposed to asbestos in work environments like shipyards, railroads and manufacturing plants where asbestos was frequently used. It clung to clothing and made its way into worker’s homes and spouses and children were likewise exposed to this dangerous mineral. Still, the group primarily affected by asbestosis and mesothelioma is men from 55 to 75 who were so consistently exposed to asbestos as they worked in plants, shipyards and railroads. Up to 9 million people in industrial jobs across America were exposed to asbestos at dangerous levels and 4 out of 10,000 develop asbestosis.
In fact, many companies and firms continued to use asbestos and to leave their employees unprotected despite their knowledge of health problems it caused. This is why there are so many asbestosis claims to asbestos and asbestos related diseases making their way through the court systems. Many of those companies are potentially liable for medical costs and other damages to employees that were consistently exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos is responsible for asbestosis, pleural or lung plaques, mesothelioma and pleural effusion or fluid in the lungs. Asbestosis specifically is characterized by a marked shortness of breath, a chronic cough and tightness and pain throughout the chest. It can also develop into malignant mesothelioma or pleural effusion. Malignant mesothelioma has a very poor long term prognosis and since there is little in the way of treatment for asbestosis many Americans are constantly living in pain and fear as a result of this illness.
If you suffer from asbestosis, you may be entitled to file an asbestosis claim against your former employer or current employer for exposing you to asbestos. There are thousands of lawsuits pending on this issue and only a qualified product liability, consumer protection or asbestos attorney can advise you on your individual situation. You may be entitled to compensation relating to your medical expenses, and loss of pay and any pain and suffering you may be experiencing. It is imperative that you contact not only an attorney but that you communicate your asbestos exposure to your physician so they can carefully monitor your condition.