The US Epidemic of Asbestos deaths

The US Epidemic of Asbestos deaths

Asbestos, a wonder fibrous mineral, is fire resistant, chemical resistant and highly flexible. However, this wonderful substance also causes innumerable diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, fibrosis, asbestos warts and so on. The deaths due to asbestos are becoming an epidemic in the US.

More than 10000 people are succumbing to asbestos related diseases every year. The mining, manufacture and use of asbestos create a lot of asbestos dust and asbestos fibers are released into the atmosphere. The asbestos fibers are light in weight and invisible to the naked eye. Thus, they get airborne and are easily inhaled by the people. Thus, they enter the human body through the nose or mouth.

Even a single fiber is enough to cause an asbestos related disease. When this fiber comes in contact with the mesothelium lining of the body organs like lungs, abdomen and heart, it makes the mesothelium cells to act abnormally. They start to outlive the other cells. Also, they start dividing rapidly leading to tumors in that body part, which may later spread all over the body. This condition is called as mesothelioma and has no cure. Death is inevitable for most mesothelioma patients.

Mesothelioma has a terribly long latency period. The disease may start some 15 to 40 years after exposure to the asbestos dust. The only way to prevent the disease is to ban all types of asbestos use and manufacture all over the world. UK was the first country to ban asbestos. US also followed UK's example. However, since the disease has a very long latency period, the effects of asbestos exposure may be felt for the next one or two decades. No state in US is free of asbestos related deaths. The States of California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas have the highest asbestos related mortality rates.

Asbestosis in US: Asbestosis is not a cancerous disease like mesothelioma. However, if it is not properly diagnosed and treated, it may lead to death. Nearly 1400 people die of asbestosis every year. Most of the asbestosis cases are not diagnosed correctly and thus, it is not even reported. Therefore, the actual mortality statistics may be much higher than the above documented statistics. It is expected that the asbestosis mortality rate would skyrocket in the next decade.

Mesothelioma in US Mesothelioma may be cancerous or non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is known as a malignant form of mesothelioma and when it is non-cancerous, it is known as a benign form of mesothelioma. Around 75% of the mesothelioma cases are of the pleural type (affecting the lungs), 20% affect the abdomen and are of the peritoneal type of mesothelioma. A small percentage is of the pericardial type (affecting the heart). Every year, around 2500 people succumb to this disease and this number is expected to peak by 2015.

Lung Cancer in US: The cancer of the lungs is the most terrible and painful death. It is pathetic to see the patients pant and struggle to breathe, coughing up blood in the process. Nearly 4800 people fall prey to asbestos belated lung cancer annually. The above figure does not include cases of lung cancer without exposure to asbestos.

Abdominal cancer in US: When asbestos fibers and asbestos dust enter the body through the mouth, they settle in the abdomen leading to cancer. Nearly 1200 cases annually succumb to abdominal cancer due to asbestos exposure.

Why is a sudden rise in asbestos deaths expected in the US? Till the 1970s, nearly 3000 asbestos related products (both industrial products and consumer products) were marketed in America. The American workers were exposed to asbestos fibers and they inhaled them. The asbestos dust settled on their clothes and they carried them home. At home, their parents, spouse, siblings and children inhaled them.

The safeguards to protect the workers came only around the 1980s but much before that thousands of American citizens had already inhaled asbestos fibers. Also, many industrialists only worried about their profits. They did not provide adequate safeguards to protect the workers. The US government protects and encourages the mesothelioma victims and their dependents to legally sue their relevant employers for the medical expenses and hardship caused to them.

The disease, mesothelioma has a huge latency period. That is why people who are exposed in 1970s will succumb to the disease only in 2005-2020. Sometimes, maybe even as late as 2030. This is the reason why as years go by, the deaths due to asbestos exposure are increasing.

Terrible forecasts in US for the near future Around 10000 deaths are being recorded every year in America due to asbestos exposure. Research in medicine and clinical trials are still only in process. Even then, only marginal help may be available as irreparable damage has already happened. It is expected that around 10-40 people may die everyday in the next 10 years because of their history of exposure to asbestos. The total mortality on the basis of the current trends will be around 200,000 by 2015.

If there is a great medical discovery and a significant breakthrough has happened, even then, maybe around 50% of the deaths would come down. Even then, it is expected that within the next decade, around 100,000 people would succumb to asbestos related diseases. In a country like America, which has already banned asbestos, the statistics are so shocking. If this is the case in US, it is depressing to think of the situation in countries like India and China, which have still not imposed a complete ban on asbestos.

Copyright ArchanaSarat

about the author

Archana Sarat is a freelance writer and a researcher at a medical research firm. To know more about mesothelioma log on to http://www.rarehope.com

Why You Need A Lawsuit Asbestos Lawyer

The number of asbestos lawsuits filed and the number of asbestos lawsuit lawyers who will take up an asbestos lawsuit case are a sad reflection of a long-time construction mistake that may lead to the ill health of over 250,000 Americans by the year 2020. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos without proper protective filter masks, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit with the help of an asbestos lawyer.

A natural, fibrous form of a number of minerals, asbestos was used since ancient times in fabrics because of its durability and fireproofing ability. For over seventy years, asbestos was used in the insulation of and as fireproofing material in numerous buildings. Over 30 millions tons of asbestos in America alone made its way into the walls of commercial buildings, home, schools, shipyards, and industrial sites. Construction workers labored with asbestos without protection.

In the 1970s, however, the medical community, faced with an overwhelming number of construction workers coming down with illnesses, found that inhaling asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer, and the material was immediately banned for use in construction. Over the years, scientists have also linked asbestos to pleural disease, gastrointestinal cancer, and a disease specifically diagnosed for asbestos exposure, asbestosis.

A lawyer who specializes in asbestos lawsuits can tell you that each year asbestos surfaces in over 3000 new people and 10,000 people die of asbestos-related disease. As asbestos can line the lungs and accumulate over long periods of years before the body exhibits any symptoms, even workers who haven't worked in the construction field for twenty to fifty years have come down with asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos lawsuit lawyers have filed lawsuits for more than just construction workers, though. Even some family members of construction workers have exhibited some form of asbestos disease because asbestos fibers can travel on clothing. Buildings over thirty years old that were made with asbestos likewise can seep asbestos to its occupants over time, although some efforts have been made to correct those buildings.

Do you think that you have been exposed to asbestos at a work site or by living in an asbestos-filled building or with a worker who was exposed to asbestos? You may be able to file a lawsuit, so contact an asbestos lawsuit lawyer. Some asbestos lawsuit lawyers have gotten their clients as much as $7.5 million dollars to offset the medical bills, pain, and suffering that have resulted as a consequence of this massive construction oversight.

If you feel that you may have been contaminated by asbestos, don't hesitate to see a doctor. If you find that you have suffered from asbestos complications, consult an asbestos lawsuit lawyer to decide where you should go from there. For one asbestos lawsuit firm that gives good information about asbestos contamination sites in the US and offers a free asbestos lawyer case evaluation, visit abestoslawsuitinfo.com.

Mesothelioma cancer - very rare type of cancer

Mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer that develop in the outer membrane of some internal organs of the human body, it may develop in the outer membrane of the lungs which known as the pleura, may develop in the outer membrane of the internal organs in the abdominal cavity and may develop in the outer membrane of the heart which known as the pericardium.

Pleural mesothelioma or the cancer of lung lining is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer and often be associated with the asbestos exposure. Asbestos are several minerals that was used in the manufacturing companies, workers which was in the asbestos environment are the most people who can develop mesothelioma due to the direct contact with the asbestos particles, by inhalation asbestos fibers can enter the chest cavity and settle in the pleura (the lung lining) and cause chronic inflammation which may cause malignant tumors after several years.

Pericardial mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma and related to asbestos exposure, in this type the asbestos particles settle in the pericardium (the heart lining). Scientists don't know how asbestos can get in pericardium, there is an imagine way in which asbestos particles are transfered from the pleura to blood steam then to the heart, the heart pumps them to the pericardium and the disease start to grow there.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is another type of mesothelioma and affects the peritoneum. Peritoneum is the outer membrane of internal organs in the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma is often related to asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be shortness of breath, cough, chest pain and general weakness. Mesothelioma diagnosis is very difficult, as its symptoms are very similar to other kinds of diseases take very long time to appear 25-50 years. The options of treatments are confined to surgery, chemotherapy ( special chemicals to kill the cancerous cells) and radiotherapy ( using some kind of radiations to get rid of the cancerous cells).

The Stages of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is difficult to diagnose. Symptoms are chronologically far apart. This creates a lot of confusion among some doctors because some symptoms could be attributed to other common diseases. Well-timed diagnosis can be extremely difficult due to the dormant period between getting infected and manifestation of indications. This could take up to 40 years to fully show itself and the damage it has caused. When symptoms are apparent, this cancer is already in the advanced state. By that time, treatment can do little for the patient. Treatment choices differ according to the stages of the cancer. Pleural mesothelomia has around four stages while peritoneal mesothelomia is not staged.

Stage I shows the presence of mesothelomia either on the right or on the left pleura or the stomach. Stage II assaults the chest wall or the esophagus, heart or pleura on both sides. At stage III, lymph nodes can be found further and may involve the chest. This is also the stage when mesothelioma has penetrated the abdomen down to the lining of the abdominal cavity. Stages II to IV is categorized as the advanced state of cancer. Stage IV is considered advanced mesothelioma and most of the time it is an open/close surgery, as it is no longer helpful. The cancer of mesothelioma is difficult to the point of being impossible to treat. Initially tumors can be seen in the membranes that enclose the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. It then metastasizes to the organs nearby.

The gauge of the stages is done through CAT scans, MRI testing, and other use of mechanisms like x-rays. By way of these tools the physician can see how far the cancer has has spread. Through theses measures the physician will be able to translate what level and type treatment is appropriate for which stage. Once stage and treatment has been defined, the doctor then talks it over with the patient and his family. By the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, most of the treatment is pain management and control, drug therapy, and psychological methods to help the patient deal better with the effect of pain.

Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery are not sufficient without supplementary medications. But when conventional methods are no longer an option, experimental methods might be considered. Clinical trials are being done on humans to see how effective new drugs are with human beings. If a patient will agree to participate in a clinical trial the patient benefits in return for helping scientists analyze its efficacy of the research.

By and large, treatment would always depend on the location of tumor, what stage the cancer is in, its spread and how mesothelomia cancer metastasized. Factors like age and the overall health condition of the patient may well be considered during treatment.

Management and handling of mesothelomia cancer is a very difficult procedure. The patient needs to be physically and emotionally ready for the consequences of having mesothelioma cancer. Whatever the doctors' prognosis will be, the patient needs to be able to prepare for what will happen next.

How Do I Find a Good Mesothelioma Lawyer?

If someone from your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, finding a mesothelioma lawyer right away is essential. When you are searching for the best attorney to represent you, there are important things which you have to consider. First, you need to make sure that the law firm is reliable. Its lawyers should also be reliable. Second, you have to consider the relationship that you will be building with your lawyer. Establishing rapport with him is essential, since you will be talking with him regularly. What is more, you will be divulging personal information to him.

When you are planning to file an asbestos-related lawsuit, you should start by researching law firms first. There are various law agencies which concentrate on litigating mesothelioma cases. You can find a reputable firm within your state if you know where to begin. If you are looking for an experienced mesothelioma lawyer, you can do your research over the Internet, directories, or bar associations. Inquire about the services that they are offering to their clients. You might want to make a list of the firms or lawyers whom you think are qualified enough to represent you.

When you think that the list is long enough, try to reach each of the firms or mesothelioma attorneys. You can do this by sending out a letter or e-mail or even with a phone call. Give the firms general information regarding your case, and determine whether they will be able to manage it well or not. You might also want to know how much they will be charging you. Their charges include initial consultation fees, and the overall charge for handling the mesothelioma claim. It is also important for you to meet personally with different lawyers. This way, you can determine if you are comfortable with the lawyer or not. Most of all, you have to know the expertise of the attorneys in your list. You will know that he is capable of upholding your rights when he has won many cases already.

After you decide which mesothelioma lawyer you want to hire, talk to him right away. The two of you will be able to converse well during the initial consultation. Your lawyer will assess your case, and learn its depth. He should inform you of your legal rights. If there are alternative steps available, you have the right to know what these are. During the initial consultation, your lawyer should also tell you what he can do to help you with your lawsuit claim. Along with this, he has to inform you how much this will cost you. When you are satisfied with the information that you have obtained during this first meeting, you can ask for a written agreement for the fees that you will be settling.

Based on the initial consultation, you will be able to know if you can really trust your mesothelioma lawyer. Furthermore, you will know if you can be comfortable around him or not. Make sure that the lawyer listens attentively to what you have to say. He should also be able to provide you with as much information regarding your rights, the lawsuit, and the steps that have to be taken. Most importantly, you have to make sure that you can understand your lawyer well.

There is a way for you to lessen legal costs. It is possible that a paralegal or junior attorney can handle the lesser legal tasks involved with your case. You can also offer help with the other duties if you are able to. There are some lawyers who work according to a contingency basis. When you are offered this kind of service by your lawyer, this means that you will have to pay him a percentage of the compensation. But if you do not win the lawsuit claim, you are not required to pay your lawyer anything.

I've Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma, What Do I Do Next?

Mesothelioma is a disease which you should not take lightly. This ailment is a deadly and rare type of cancer. It can start in the heart and abdomen; however, it usually starts from the lungs. The latter is commonly known as pleural mesothelioma, where the membrane lining of the chest cavity has accumulated plaque. Because of this, cancer-causing cells increase out of control. Usually, these cells invade other bodily organs and tissues. The symptoms of this medical condition manifest themselves after 3 to 5 decades of being exposed to asbestos. Since it is already at its advanced stage, it is hard to treat and can lead to death. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is a greater likelihood that you or your loved one will die within a year.

Like most mesothelioma patients, you might not be aware that you have contracted this type of disease. There are a lot of patients who do not know that exposure to asbestos is the reason why they are affected with mesothelioma.

Unfortunately, many company owners and employers know of the hazards that asbestos fibers bring. However, they have not done anything to protect their workers from the risks. With this fact, certain state laws allow you to file a lawsuit claim against the company you were working for when you were exposed to asbestos. There are also individuals who have not been warned of the hazards of the asbestos-laden product that they have been using. If this is your case, you are also entitled to file a claim.

If you want to file a claim, you have to remember that you have to do this right away. You will only be able to do this within a specific time after you have been diagnosed with the problem. You will know whether you have gone past the statute limitation of your state when you ask for the guidance of a mesothelioma lawyer within your state.

When you are exposed to the fibers of asbestos, you will be carrying the effects for the rest of your life. You cannot reverse the effects. Generally, the law asks the liable party to return your life back to its original state, before you have been exposed to asbestos. However, this is not possible. On the other hand, you will be provided with monetary compensation, which covers the damage that you have been through. If you have adequate evidence to prove that you have been exposed to asbestos fibers, you will be offered non-monetary and monetary compensation. These are usually based on the following:

* the pain and anguish due to your condition

* emotional distress

* loss of life enjoyment

* loss of your capability to work

* loss of previous and future income

* rehabilitation and medical care expenses

* hospital bills

You will also be able to obtain another type of recovery damage. This comes in the form of "punitive damages". This is provided to the claimant as a punishment to the bad conduct of the defendant. This has received great attention from the media; however, this is rarely given to the victims.

If you or your loved one has just been diagnosed with mesothelioma; it is important that you act right away. This way, you will still be able to obtain the rightful compensation that you need. Although the total amount of compensation will not be able to cover for all of the pain that you have gone through, the money will allow you to pay for medical and legal expenses.

How Do I Find a Good Mesothelioma Doctor?

Just like looking for the best lawyers to handle a serious case, looking for the best doctors for mesothelioma is very important. If you or your loved one has this form of cancer, only the best trained and experienced doctor can give you the accurate diagnosis and can recommend other recuperative approaches. You will need to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disease and medication or other treatment options. You need a doctor who can come up with the correct options in care such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgical appraisal, and/or other more focused forms of treatment. It is of paramount significance to broaden your search for doctors who handle mesothelioma successfully. You want the doctor who also keeps himself informed of the latest procedures and studies.

You also need to know who is the backup physician. With a qualified substitute you can feel rest assured that you will be taken care of when you need medical attention. You have to consider the hospital where the doctor has work privileges. Since you will be visiting the clinic or hospital every now and then, it is important that you are comfortable with the location and quality of care that you would receive at that location.

You and your doctor will be partners for the rest of your life. So choosing a doctor should be done painstakingly and with care. Consider recommendations or referrals. Reflect on the credentials of the doctors and verify them. Choose 3 or 4 specialists and study their credentials before finally making appointments with those doctors. Then meet them and evaluate how well you two interact. Second opinions can also be helpful. There are conservative doctors and there are assertive ones. Only you can be the judge as to what kind of doctor is right for you.

You will be telling your doctor important information about your disease ranging from symptoms to how long ago the exposure was and how much time were you exposed to asbestos or asbestos-related substance. After the initial consultation the doctor may feel it necessary for you to undergo some scans like the Chest CT scan or biopsy, contingent on the type of mesothelioma cancer you have. Basically, there are three types of mesothelioma cancer. Pleural lungs, peritoneal (abdominal) and pericardial (heart), any of these can develop within you. As soon as your doctor has arrived at a definite analysis, you will know what type of mesothelioma cancer you have, at what stage and if the cancer has metastasized. Treatments are then scheduled. Whatever the treatments are, your doctor will recommend what is appropriate for you in considering how far along the cancer has progressed.

Having a good effective relationship with your doctor is key to your treatment. Being able to communicate properly with each other makes a big difference in your ability to deal with your cancer. Remember not to leave everything to your doctor. You also have responsibilities. Telling the doctor honestly how you feel, your opinions, and your questions will educate you about your illness. With recent research and discoveries, patients who undergo treatment are experiencing longer remissions than ever before. Mesothelioma patients with proper doctor care are living for longer periods of time.