Jackson Asbestos Exposure Lawyer
In the early 20th century, many people worked with asbestos. Asbestos could be found in various industries, including construction, mining, shipping, and automobile manufacturing. Asbestos was used in automotive parts, cement, duct connectors, electrical components, insulation, gaskets, felt, fireproofing, plastics, laboratory equipment, vinyl products, textiles, and tiles.
Asbestos was used until its carcinogenic effects were made known. Various regulations were enacted from the 1970s through the 1990s. Asbestos use was limited, but not fully banned. Asbestos products are not commonplace in the United States anymore, but they are used in some products, such as brake pads and gaskets. The law states that manufacturers are not required to warn consumers of asbestos content if there is less than 1% asbestos. Countries such as Mexico, China, Russia, and India still use asbestos regularly.
Asbestos was determined to be dangerous, causing serious medical conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Many workers have gotten seriously ill and died from exposure.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, your employer may be to blame. Many employers were aware of asbestos exposure and the risks involved, but forced employees to work in dangerous conditions anyway. The Jackson asbestos exposure lawyer at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC can help hold your employer liable for asbestos-related medical conditions.
Asbestos Over the Years
In 1980, the National Toxicology Program declared asbestos a proven human carcinogen in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) followed suit in 1986. The scientific community claims that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos has not been completely banned from American marketplaces, but it is much less prevalent than it was a few decades ago.
More and more people have become aware of the risks of working with asbestos, causing it to develop a bad reputation. International organizations have called to ban the use of chrysotile asbestos. In 2006, The International Labor Organization encouraged a worldwide ban on asbestos.
While asbestos is now banned in 52 countries, more than 2 million tons of asbestos are produced all over the world every year. Russia leads the world in production worldwide, followed by China, Kazakhstan, and Brazil. In developing nations, there are few worker protections, which means cases of mesothelioma and other cancers will continue to rise.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. This aggressive cancer develops in the form of a tumor in the lining of the lungs, stomach, or heart. Most people who develop mesothelioma have inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers. Several thousand people develop mesothelioma every year.
The primary symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Chest pain
- Fluid around the lung
- Coughing and wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC Today
Exposure to asbestos can cause various medical conditions. A person can suffer from serious lung conditions, cancer, and even death.
If you were exposed to asbestos in the workplace, you need to hold your employer liable. The Jackson asbestos exposure lawyer at Lunsford, Baskin, & Priebe, PLLC can help determine the source of the exposure. Fill out the online form or call (601) 488-3975 to schedule a consultation.
