Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Every year, in February, the nation marks National Cancer Prevention Month. National Cancer Prevention Month is a time for spreading awareness about the importance of cancer prevention strategies. It is a time to spread the word and take action in order to live better, healthier, and happier lives. According to research, over 40% of cancer cases and almost half of cancer deaths can be attributed to preventable causes. This means that people can take steps that can dramatically reduce their risk of cancer. In this article, we share some tips on how to prevent mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. This illness affects the thin layer of tissue lining the chest and abdomen. When asbestos is disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Inhaling or ingesting these asbestos fibers can lead to health issues. Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs or other tissues and accumulate over time, causing inflammation.
It is estimated that every year, there are about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States of America. While mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, it is crucial to note that this disease is serious and aggressive and usually has a poor prognosis. Mesothelioma symptoms can take decades to manifest, so it can be challenging to treat the illness effectively. The latency period of mesothelioma can be 20 to 60 years or more.
Tips for Preventing Mesothelioma
The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Therefore, avoiding asbestos exposure can prevent nearly all cases of mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure is common among people in certain industries, such as the construction, shipbuilding, and automobile industries. People who work with asbestos or asbestos-contaminated products can avoid exposure by wearing protective gear and following all safety precautions.
Secondary asbestos exposure is also a huge problem. This kind of exposure occurs when people who work directly with asbestos or asbestos-containing products take asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair, and shoes. Workers can prevent secondary asbestos exposure by carefully removing protective gear and changing clothes after work before heading home.
Another way people are exposed to asbestos is in their homes. If your home was built before the early 1980s, there is a high chance it contains asbestos-contaminated materials. It is crucial that if you find asbestos in your home, you avoid disturbing it. Undisturbed asbestos is generally harmless. Do not try to remove asbestos on your own. Asbestos removal is a job that should be left to the professionals. If you must remove asbestos from your home, get in touch with an asbestos removal company.
People can also prevent asbestos exposure by being mindful of their surroundings, especially in areas where mining or processing has occurred. Apart from occupational and secondary asbestos exposure, environmental asbestos exposure can also cause mesothelioma.
Unfortunately, at times, despite an individual’s best efforts, it is impossible to avoid asbestos exposure. If asbestos exposure occurs because of another party’s negligence, such as an employer’s negligence, the victim and their family have legal rights. Compensation and justice can be sought in such a case.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.