How Asbestos Causes Lung Cancer
National asbestos lung cancer lawyers that take you seriously
At our national asbestos lung cancer law firm, we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of those who have been diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. The Ferrell Law Group understands the devastating impact that a lung cancer diagnosis can have on individuals and their families, and we want to help you understand how asbestos causes lung cancer and what you can do to seek compensation for your suffering.
The following is general information about how asbestos causes lung cancer. For information specific to your case, contact the Ferrell Law Group for a free consultation. At no cost to you, a member of our team will listen to the details of your case, answer your questions, and let you know if you qualify for compensation. There is no fee or obligation to hire us – just answers you can trust.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in the construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and automotive industries due to its fire-resistant and durable properties. Unfortunately, when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become trapped in the lungs and other organs, leading to serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
How does asbestos cause lung cancer?
The link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer is well-established, with studies showing that exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer by up to 5 times. Asbestos-related lung cancer is typically diagnosed in individuals who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos over a long period of time, such as construction workers, shipbuilders, and factory workers.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers can damage lung cells and cause mutations in DNA, leading to the growth of cancerous tumors or “nodules” in the lungs. The more you were exposed to asbestos and the longer the exposure lasted, the higher your risk of developing lung cancer, but even brief exposure can be sufficient to cause the disease. The symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer can take years or even decades to appear, making it difficult to diagnose the disease in its early stages.
Asbestos and smoking have been shown to have synergistic effects – that is to say, asbestos and smoking combined have a far greater chance of causing lung cancer than either asbestos or smoking individually.
Who is at risk of developing lung cancer due to asbestos exposure?
Before it was partially banned in 1989, asbestos was widely used in the United States in a variety of products and processes, including construction materials such as insulation and roofing, shipbuilding materials such as boilers and gaskets, and manufacturing processes for products like brake pads and cement pipes. Here are some jobs that have been associated with a higher risk of developing lung cancer due to exposure to asbestos:
- Miners
- Foundry workers
- Painters and decorators
- Chemical plant workers
- Oilfield workers
- Welders
- Construction workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Steel mill workers
- Mechanics
- Firefighters
- Railroad workers
How was I exposed to asbestos?
Here are some examples of how people were exposed to asbestos:
- Construction sites. Asbestos was commonly used as insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as in roofing materials, tiles, and cement. Construction workers and skilled tradesmen who handled or disturbed these materials, such as by cutting or drilling into them, could inhale asbestos fibers.
- Shipyard. Shipbuilding materials that used asbestos included insulation, gaskets, and boilers. Shipyard workers who installed, repaired, or removed these materials could inhale asbestos fibers. Additionally, workers who served on ships that contained asbestos insulation may have been exposed to the fibers when the insulation began to degrade over time.
- Factories and plants. Factory workers who made products that contained asbestos, such as brakes, gaskets, and insulation, were particularly at risk of exposure. But asbestos was also widely used in industrial machinery and in insulation in factories, so even workers who didn’t work with asbestos may still have been exposed.
- Take-home exposure. Asbestos exposure most often occurred at work, but many employees unknowingly brought home asbestos fibers and particles on their clothes and in their hair, exposing their spouses and families. For instance, wives of men who worked in the trades may have been exposed to asbestos by doing their husbands’ laundry.
Our lawyers make the process of collecting your money easier
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. At our national asbestos lung cancer law firm, we have a team of experienced attorneys who can help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
One of the challenges in seeking compensation for asbestos-related lung cancer is that the companies responsible for exposing workers to asbestos often went out of business or filed for bankruptcy, making it difficult to hold them accountable. However, there are legal remedies available to those who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, including filing a claim with an asbestos trust fund or pursuing a lawsuit against the responsible parties if they are still solvent.
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, we are here to help. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge needed to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve, and we will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.