Mesothelioma: Exposure and Risks

Since the late 1800s, asbestos has been mined and used commercially throughout the United States. Asbestos consists of six different minerals that are found in nature as clusters of fibers. The fibers can be separated into fine threads to be utilized for industrial and commercial purposes. Asbestos fibers do not conduct electricity and are fire, heat and chemical resistant. As a result, asbestos has been widely used in many different industries. For instance, the construction industry has utilized asbestos for fireproofing, sound absorption and strengthening cement, while the automotive industry uses it for car clutch pads and brake shoes. As a result of the extensive use of asbestos, millions of Americans have been exposed, and researchers estimate that over 20 million people are in danger of developing mesothelioma.

Every day Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his top rated team of mesothelioma illness attorneys in Buffalo, New York at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. strive to provide the highest level of personal injury service to people who suffer from mesothelioma cancer in Western New York. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s team of Buffalo, New York asbestos exposure mesothelioma lawyers will fight to attempt to obtain the best result for your serious illness. Insurance companies have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. over $175,000,000.00 in verdicts and settlements to resolve personal injury and illness claims. Contact us today at 716-839-3939 for your free consultation. We are available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week to discuss your potential claim.

Symptoms of mesothelioma often take as many as 10 to 50 years to manifest, which makes its early detection and identifying its cause extremely challenging. The vast majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by the exposure to asbestos. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established regulations in 1989 regarding new uses for asbestos, its use was still not fully prohibited, as many uses established before that time were still permitted. Exposure to asbestos most commonly occurs in workplace or industrial settings. Nevertheless, exposure can take place in schools, homes, and many other places, especially buildings constructed before 1980.

Common sites of occupational exposure to asbestos include:

1. Mines;
2. Oil refineries;
3. Demolition and construction sites;
4. Insulation, roofing, floor and carpentry installation workshops;
5. Power plants;
6. Railroads;
7. Shipyards;
8. Auto repair shops; and
9. Machinery workplaces.

In addition to occupational exposure comes many instances of secondhand exposure. Secondhand exposure often results from friends and family members coming into contact with worker’s skin, hair, clothing, footwear and other objects that have accumulated microscopic asbestos fibers. Researchers estimate that approximately 20% of mesothelioma occurrences result from secondhand exposure.

Moreover, traces of asbestos have also been discovered in regular household goods such as paint, potting soils and talcum powder. It is crucial to be conscious of all products that might contain asbestos, and recognize instances in which you could be at substantial risk for exposure. Much work is still needed to sufficiently identify all products containing asbestos. Although regulations and public health concerns over the dangers of asbestos have caused a significant decline in the use of asbestos, in 2015, use still equated to approximately 360 metric tons.

If you, or a loved one, are suffering from mesothelioma, contact the legal team of mesothelioma illness attorneys in Buffalo, New York at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. today so that we can help you. Jed Dietrich, Esq. is recognized as a Best Lawyer of America and a New York Super Lawyer and he is dedicated and determined to get you the best possible result after your illness in Buffalo, New York and throughout New York State. Contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. team today at 716-839-3939. We are available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week, and there is never a fee unless we WIN for you!

Almost everyone is exposed to asbestos at one point or another in their lifetime. Small quantities of asbestos can be found in the water, air and soil. Although evidence indicates there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure, most people do not develop mesothelioma from their exposure. Since the 1940s, millions of workers throughout the United States have been exposed to asbestos. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos, usually through a job or significant environmental contact, are most likely to get sick. The most at-risk occupations in New York State include:

1. Construction workers;
2. Demolition workers;
3. Drywall removers;
4. Shipbuilders;
5. Asbestos miners;
6. Insulation workers;
7. Automobile workers;
8. Asbestos removal workers;
9. Individuals involved in rescue and cleanup at the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City;
10. Firefighters; and
11. Military veterans, which account for almost one third of diagnoses.

Asbestos has been in use for many years, yet its true dangers have only become visible within the past 40 years. If you, or a loved one, suffer from mesothelioma in Buffalo, New York or elsewhere in New York State, contact our highly experienced, aggressive, tenacious and hardworking team of Buffalo, New York asbestos exposure mesothelioma lawyers today so that we can help you! Call us today at 716-839-3939.

While every type of asbestos is considered hazardous, some asbestos types are more dangerous than others. Further, different types of asbestos fibers are associated with distinct health hazards. After asbestos exposure, various factors can impact an individual’s risk of developing mesothelioma including:

1. The amount of asbestos an individual was exposed to;
2. The duration an individual was exposed to the asbestos;
3. Source of the asbestos exposure;
4. Chemical composition, shape and size of the asbestos fibers;
5. Individuals risk factors, such as pre-existing lung ailments and smoker status; and
6. Genetic influences, like having a germline mutation.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!