When it comes to workplace exposure of toxic substances, there are few more deadly or widespread as asbestos. This commonly-used substance is both a valuable element of manufacturing and construction, and the cause of untold suffering among workers. These workers often don't even find out that they were exposed to asbestos until years and years later. Read on to find out more about this harmful substance.
1. Make no mistake about it, workers' comp cannot adequately compensate you for this type of injury. Instead, count on a personal injury claim. No matter how much time has passed since your injury, you have an opportunity to be compensated as long as you take action once you know about the injury. After you know about it (or should have known about it), you only have a limited amount of time to file your claim, so don't delay in taking action.
2. Asbestos is widely used in several different industries and it is actually an amalgamate of six minerals. It has the ability to insulate and protect from heat, cold, moisture, electricity, chemicals, fire and more, so you can only imagine how valuable it is to manufacturing concerns. You can find asbestos in the manufacture of brake linings, floor tiles, roofing products, insulation and more.
3. It's easy to see why this substance is so dangerous when you consider that you can hardly even see the tiny fibers that cause so much trouble. These almost invisible fibers get lodged in lung tissue, where they cause a host of breathing and lung disorders like asbestosis, mesothelioma and specific types of lung cancers. However, it should be noted that casual exposure should be of no concern; it is the long term exposure that causes lung disorders.
4. Are you working around asbestos right now? While it may seem incomprehensible to some, asbestos is still being used here in the United States at this time. Only six specific categories of asbestos has been banned in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
5. The first signs of asbestos-related medical problems might be easily dismissed as allergies or a cold, but the symptoms will only worsen in time. Chest pain, unexplained weight loss, coughing, anemia, and shortness of breath usually send sufferers in for diagnostic testing of their ability to breathe in and out.
6. While intermittent and irregular exposure to this substance is not likely to cause disease, the family members of workers exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are also at risk. The fibers can cling to clothing, shoes, skin and hair and be brought into the home. Children are particularly vulnerable to this type of exposure.
7. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are now suffering from lung disease because of it, money has been set aside for you. The largest mass tort ever to be awarded in the U.S. is comprised of $322 million dollars and even more is being held in a trust for those impacted by this toxic substance. Speak to an attorney about getting compensated today.
Contact personal injury law services for more information.
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