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Asbestos has had many uses in building construction and in the manufacturing of fire-retardant clothing. The name “asbestos” comes from a group of six minerals found in soil and rock, and it is naturally heat and chemical resistant due to its sturdy microfiber construction. These properties made asbestos the go-to building material several decades ago.
In 1989, asbestos was abolished because it became common knowledge that the group of minerals is a health risk. The minerals found in asbestos are the same ones that cause a type of lung cancer called mesothelioma and other diseases. If you are concerned that you contracted serious ailments because of exposure to asbestos, a dedicated attorney could help. A Madison County asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer could analyze your case and determine if you have the right to file a claim against a responsible party.
Where is Asbestos Found?
Despite knowing the dangers posed by asbestos for decades, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) did not ban the compound until 1989. Today, it is a common practice to remove asbestos from buildings built before the use of asbestos was eradicated.
Some places where asbestos could be found include:
- Vermiculite insulation
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Roof shingles
- Asbestos based cement
- Insulation, tape, and sheeting around boilers and fireplaces
- Fireproofing products
- Asbestos paper and millboard
- Some wall and ceiling paints
- Fire-resistant clothes
- Some water sources
Many older buildings still have asbestos in them, and an eagle-eyed attorney in Madison County could help someone find out if a building they spent time in was contaminated with asbestos.
Factors Influencing the Impact of Asbestos in Madison County
With a latency period of five to ten years, someone may not know they have an asbestos-related condition. It may take up to forty years before symptoms manifest in some cases. Several factors affect whether someone develops an asbestos-related disease and how long it might take. These factors are how much asbestos there was in one area, the type of asbestos, how often a person came into contact with asbestos, the duration of exposure, and if the person had any predisposition to lung conditions due to smoking or genetic factors.
A Madison County attorney could help someone determine which, if any, of the factors listed above influenced their symptoms caused by asbestos.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the stomach, abdomen, and heart lining. Every year, there are more than 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States. There is ongoing research to find a cure for mesothelioma, but there is none at this time.
Most mesothelioma cases are from people exposed to asbestos for long periods at a time. Since the body does not break down asbestos, a small amount can stay in someone for decades and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has three main variants: pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. A Madison County attorney could help someone determine from which type of mesothelioma they suffer.
Pleural Mesothelioma
This type of lung cancer is the most common variety of mesothelioma. The symptoms for pleural mesothelioma include fatigue, difficulty breathing, fever, and fluid buildup in the lungs.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of abdominal cancer responsible for 15 to 20 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include anemia, appetite loss, hypoglycemia, and bowel obstructions.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This cancer affects the heart. It is the rarest form of mesothelioma, making up just one to two percent of all cases. Symptoms related to pericardial mesothelioma may include chest pain, night sweats, irregular heartbeats, and fluid buildup in the heart.
Contact a Madison County Asbestos and Mesothelioma Attorney Today
Illinois ranks seventh in asbestos-related deaths in the country. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. You can also file a wrongful death lawsuit if a family member passes away from the condition. An experienced Madison County asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer could help you navigate the case and local negligence laws. Call our office today to learn more.
