Bay Area, California Asbestos Exposure
At The Asbestos Legal Center, our mission is to help individuals and families who’ve been harmed by asbestos exposure. For much of the 20th century, workers in various industries across the U.S. and their families suffered toxic asbestos exposure and are now being diagnosed with deadly diseases like mesothelioma. These people have legal rights. Contact The Asbestos Legal Center today to learn more or to obtain a complimentary information packet.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a durable, versatile mineral that was used in over 5,000 applications and/or processes. Because it is both heat-resistant and inert (generally non-reactive with chemicals), asbestos was used as a key component in products ranging from fireproof gear to building materials, in industries ranging from construction to shipbuilding.
However, asbestos’ fibers are also extremely toxic when disturbed, airborne and inhaled. In fact, asbestos exposure can cause a number of serious, incurable and generally fatal diseases, including various types of cancer.
How Asbestos Exposure Occurred for Many Individuals
Asbestos exposure occurred when asbestos was damaged, removed, or installed, and asbestos fibers were released into the air. Keep in mind that intact asbestos is not harmful—only its airborne fibers are, as they are easy to inhale without notice.
Following is a list of some common products and substances that typically contain asbestos:
- Insulation Materials
- Hot water tanks and pipes
- Pumps and valves
- Various Construction Products (roofing/stucco/duct insulation etc…)
- Boilers and industrial ovens
- Fireproof clothing, blankets and equipment
- Brake shoes and pads
- Drywall, various joint compounds, taping mud
- Cements and caulking
Given the wide range of asbestos uses (only a few of which are listed above), many people unknowingly experience asbestos exposure at some point in their lives. However, only those who endure prolonged asbestos exposure are likely to develop severe health problems.
Industries Notorious for Asbestos Exposure
In most cases, those at the highest risk of developing asbestos cancers are people who work in industries that regularly put them into contact with asbestos fibers. Among these high-risk asbestos industries are:
- Maritime
- Military
- Shipbuilding
- Construction
- Demolition
- Mining
- Railroad
- Pipe fitting
- Plumbing
- Roofing
- Welding
- Automotive
- USG
- Painting
- Drywall
Individuals who work in the following industrial settings are also at risk of asbestos exposure:
- Ship yards
- Oil refineries
- Power plants
- Chemical plants
- Steel mills
- Aluminum plants
Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure can cause people to develop a range of health problems, such as:
- Mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart
- Asbestosis, a non-cancerous, irreversible condition characterized by breathing problems
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Throat cancer
While some of these cancers have various other causes, asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Statistics show that the average survival time for newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients is about 18 months. This is largely due to the fact that, by the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, it has already progressed to later, less treatable stages.
Victims of Asbestos Exposure Have Rights
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, it is important to understand that you have a number of legal rights and options. Contact The Asbestos Legal Center today for a free consultation or to obtain a complimentary information packet.
Bay Area, California Asbestos Exposure
At The Asbestos Legal Center, our mission is to help individuals and families who’ve been harmed by asbestos exposure. For much of the 20th century, workers in various industries across the U.S. and their families suffered toxic asbestos exposure and are now being diagnosed with deadly diseases like mesothelioma. These people have legal rights. Contact The Asbestos Legal Center today to learn more or to obtain a complimentary information packet.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a durable, versatile mineral that was used in over 5,000 applications and/or processes. Because it is both heat-resistant and inert (generally non-reactive with chemicals), asbestos was used as a key component in products ranging from fireproof gear to building materials, in industries ranging from construction to shipbuilding.
However, asbestos’ fibers are also extremely toxic when disturbed, airborne and inhaled. In fact, asbestos exposure can cause a number of serious, incurable and generally fatal diseases, including various types of cancer.
How Asbestos Exposure Occurred for Many Individuals
Asbestos exposure occurred when asbestos was damaged, removed, or installed, and asbestos fibers were released into the air. Keep in mind that intact asbestos is not harmful—only its airborne fibers are, as they are easy to inhale without notice.
Following is a list of some common products and substances that typically contain asbestos:
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Given the wide range of asbestos uses (only a few of which are listed above), many people unknowingly experience asbestos exposure at some point in their lives. However, only those who endure prolonged asbestos exposure are likely to develop severe health problems.
Industries Notorious for Asbestos Exposure
In most cases, those at the highest risk of developing asbestos cancers are people who work in industries that regularly put them into contact with asbestos fibers. Among these high-risk asbestos industries are:
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Individuals who work in the following industrial settings are also at risk of asbestos exposure:
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Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure can cause people to develop a range of health problems, such as:
- Mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart
- Asbestosis, a non-cancerous, irreversible condition characterized by breathing problems
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Throat cancer
While some of these cancers have various other causes, asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Statistics show that the average survival time for newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients is about 18 months. This is largely due to the fact that, by the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, it has already progressed to later, less treatable stages.
Victims of Asbestos Exposure Have Rights
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, it is important to understand that you have a number of legal rights and options. Contact The Asbestos Legal Center today for a free consultation or to obtain a complimentary information packet.
Contact the Asbestos Legal Center Today. We Can Help.
To learn more about how we can help you with your case, please contact us today! Complimentary Legal Evaluation.
Millions in Compensation
Asbestos was once widely used, and many employers and product manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of asbestos exposure. As a result of such negligence, mesothelioma victims can file a lawsuit to potentially obtain millions in compensation for their illness. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
