In the United States, asbestos is the only confirmed cause of mesothelioma. Exactly what causes mesothelioma is
asbestos exposure in the workplace and home environments. Many types of illnesses from asbestos exposure can occur when, for example, trade workers are exposed to asbestos dust in the workplace. Certain trades are most commonly represented among mesothelioma patients. These trades include: auto repair, construction, ship construction and repair, boiler repair, pump repair, other equipment repair, factory work, welding, maintenance, carpenters, machinists, pipe-fitters and plumbers.
A person who works directly with an asbestos material is "directly exposed". "Bystander exposure" occurs when a bystander or a person in the vicinity is exposed to asbestos that is spread into the air. In family members, mesothelioma can be caused from exposure to asbestos from their spouse or parent who has brought asbestos home from work through the dust on clothing. This "secondary exposure" or "take-home exposure" often occurs when a family member is laundering the work clothing of a family member who is exposed to asbestos on the job.
Illnesses from asbestos exposure can then occur, one of which is can be mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer.
There are three major types of asbestos that have been commercially sold in the United States: chrysotile (which accounts for more than 90% of the asbestos sold in this country), amosite and crocidolite (blue) asbestos. All asbestos fiber types are known to cause mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure of short duration and relatively low intensity has been known to be what causes mesothelioma. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma. Having said that, not all asbestos exposures and illnesses are the same. One breath of asbestos taken over a lifetime will not likely cause mesothelioma or an asbestos related disease.
A reliable indication of the presence of significant airborne asbestos fibers is the creation of visible dust from a product known to contain asbestos. For example, if an asbestos compound is sanded and this sanding causes dust to appear in the air, then this is likely a very hazardous exposure to asbestos.
A person who develops mesothelioma or illnesses from asbestos exposure is likely entitled to file a lawsuit against the companies who caused the disease.
Mesothelioma attorneys at Levy, Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP -- with offices in New York City and Lawrenceville, New Jersey -- are experienced in obtaining money damages for families affected by mesothelioma. Before selecting a mesothelioma attorney to represent you in a mesothelioma case in New York or New Jersey, consider the
factors in choosing a mesothelioma law firm.
For more information, please call 1.800.637.6529, 24 hours, 7 days a week, or complete the email form on this page.
