Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

The National Institute of Cancer states that people who have been subjected to asbestos exposure is at major risk for mesothelioma cancer. Nearly 80% of those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos. Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos for as little as one to two months can result in mesothelioma appearing decades later. But, what exactly is asbestos?

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. These fibers are not affected by heat or chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been widely used in many industries.

Four types of asbestos have been used commercially:

  • Chrysotile Asbestos, or white asbestos, which accounts for about 99 percent of the asbestos currently used in the United States;
  • Crocidolite Asbestos, or blue asbestos;
  • Amosite Asbestos, which has brown fibers; and
  • Anthophyllite Asbestos, which has gray fibers.

Chrysotile asbestos, with its curly fibers, is in the serpentine family of minerals. The other types of asbestos, which all have rod-like fibers, are known as amphiboles. Asbestos fiber masses tend to break easily into a dust composed of tiny particles that can float in the air and stick to clothes. The fibers may be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems including asbesosis.

Currently many lawsuits have been files in state and federal courts as a result of asbestos exposure.

If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma as a result of Asbestos exposure, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO MONETARY COMPENSATION.

Mesothelioma Resource Center