The Quick Facts on Mesothelioma
- About 4,000 People die from Mesothelioma every year, the rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
- There are currently about 3000 new cases of Mesothelioma diagnosed per year, mostly in men over the age of 40.
- It is estimated that 27.5 million Americans were exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1979.
- Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
- It is estimated that there will be about 250,000 cases of Mesothelioma before 2020.
- Through 2003, more than 700,000 People have filed claims against more than 6,000 Asbestos companies. These same companies knew of the dangers for many years before ever warning the public of those risks.
- During the 20th century, some 30 million tons of asbestos were used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States .
- Many asbestos-containing products remain in buildings, ships, industrial facilities and other environments where the fibers can become airborne.
- Statistics from the National Cancer Institute show that around 3000 cases of this malignant Mesothelioma are reported each year in the United States , and this figure is on the increase.
- It is thought that around eight million people in the United States have been exposed to asbestos over the past half a century, and many more cases – are expected to be reported in the next 25 years.
- The first known asbestos lawsuit was in 1929 in New Jersey .
Know Your Rights About Mesothelioma!
Mesothelioma is the most serious Asbestos causing disease. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs (pleura), or around the abdominal organs (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is a disease that affects not only the victim but also the victim’s family.
For many years Asbestos manufacturers have claimed that cigarette smoking caused Mesothelioma, however medical research has clearly proven that Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. A Mesothelioma patient and his or her family have so much to worry about. Finding the right doctors, treatment options, medical bills, and making ends meet, are just some of their concerns.
According to the National Cancer Institute, a doctor should be seen if a person has shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. If there are symptoms, the doctor may order an x-ray of the chest or abdomen.
If you or someone in your family has been exposed to Asbestos related disease, we can help you obtain experienced legal help from attorneys who have successfully tried asbestos cases.
Asbestos Fact:
Heaviest exposures to asbestos occur in the construction industry, particularly during the removal of asbestos during renovation or demolition. Employees are also likely to be exposed during the manufacture of asbestos products (such as textiles, friction products, insulation, and other building materials) and during automotive brake and clutch repair work.
Sample List of Suspect Asbestos – Containing Materials
| Cement Pipes | Elevator Brake Shoes |
| Cement Wallboard | HVAC Duct Insulation |
| Cement Siding | Boiler Insulation |
| Asphalt Floor Tile | Breaching Insulation |
| Vinyl Floor Tile | Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections |
| Vinyl Sheet Flooring | Cooling Towers |
| Flooring Backing | Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.) |
| Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.) | Heating and Electrical Ducts |
| Acoustical Plaster | Electrical Panel Partitions |
| Decorative Plaster | Electrical Cloth |
| Textured Paints/Coatings | Electric Wiring Insulation |
| Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels | Chalkboards |
| Spray-Applied Insulation | Roofing Shingles |
| Blown-in Insulation | Roofing Felt |
| Fireproofing Materials | Base Flashing |
| Taping Compounds (thermal) | Thermal Paper Products |
| Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations) | Fire Doors |
| High Temperature Gaskets | Caulking/Putties |
| Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops | Adhesives |
| Laboratory Gloves | Wallboard |
| Fire Blankets | Joint Compounds |
| Fire Curtains | Vinyl Wall Coverings |
| Elevator Equipment Panels | Spackling Compounds |