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Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims have inhaled asbestos fibers which then travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura (the thin, saran wrap-type membrane lining the lungs.) Each year 2,500 to 4,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma.

While many uses for asbestos were banned in the 1970’s, the risk from exposure continues today due to mesothelioma’s long latency (inactive) period of anywhere between 10 – 50 years. That is, many individuals exposed to asbestos in shipyards, construction, brake work, power plants, and other industries in the 1950's, 60's, and 70's are just now being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Today, asbestos continues to be a threat to workers exposed through their occupations and in buildings that were erected prior to the ban. Experts predict that mesothelioma diagnoses will continue to increase in the United States for at least another 10 to 20 years.

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. Asbestos was used in many products and equipment.

The following is a general list provided by the Environmental Protection Agency intended to show the types of materials containing asbestos. It does not include all products containing asbestos.

Please explore our website for more detailed information on Mesothelioma, including diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, doctors and hospitals treating the disease, and your legal options.