Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs as a bundled fiber. It is heat, fire, and chemical resistant and does not conduct electricity. There are two types: chrysotile and amphibole. Chrysotile asbestos, the most commonly used in commercial applications, has curly fibers. Amphibole asbestos has straight, needle-like fibers.
Anyone exposed to asbestos at any point in their life is at risk for asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders. However, most people are not exposed to enough asbestos to affect their health.
The impact of asbestos exposure turns primarily on:
- Amount: How much asbestos exposure
- Duration: Length of asbestos exposure
- Type: Size, shape and composition of asbestos
- Source: Source of the exposure
- Individual: Individual risk factors, including smoking and lung disease
Most people who are exposed to a significant amount of asbestos, or a minimal amount over a long period of time, will become ill. Common symptoms include:
- shortness of breath;
- difficulty breathing;
- wheezing;
- persistent cough (especially with blood in sputum);
- chest pain;
- fatigue;
- loss of appetite; and
- weight loss.
The lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have considerable experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict cases involving severe personal injuries, including asbestos exposure. Contact us now to discuss your case or concerns.