Take-home Exposure to Asbestos
The best advice for anyone who was exposed to asbestos fibers in the past is to consult with your doctor. That is true whether or not you are experiencing symptoms. What many do not know is that first-hand exposure to asbestos is not the only way you may have been exposed to the hazardous material. Mesothelioma cases have been seen among those who lived in close proximity to asbestos mines. Mesothelioma cases have also been observed among family members of those who worked closely with asbestos. This take-home risk for family members is believed to be due to asbestos fibers being carried into the home on the workers' hair, skin, shoes, socks, and other clothing.Know Your Legal Rights
A mesothelioma diagnosis forever changes the diagnosed individual's life and the lives of family members who love and depend on him or her. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you will need help to recover the compensation you deserve. There will be multiple bills for medical procedures, such as surgeries, and cancer medicines are expensive. In addition, wages may disappear because you are no longer able to work.
The New York injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, want to help. We understand what a mesothelioma diagnosis means to a family. Call us today at (212) 986-7353 for a free no obligation discussion of your case.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Substances which cause cancer are called carcinogens. The EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services have classified asbestos as a human carcinogen. Exposure to asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma - cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Millions of U.S. employees have been exposed to asbestos from the early 1940's when asbestos was used in ship building through the Vietnam War when it was used in military barracks construction. It is valued for heat insulation and fire protection. Its use continued long into the late 1980's in industries such as pipe fitting, construction/insulation, and the boiler industry. The amount of asbestos one was exposed to as well as the duration of exposure influence the odds that the material will cause mesothelioma cancer. Certain types of asbestos fibers called amphiboles are more harmful than others because they tend to stay in the lungs longer.
Testing for Mesothelioma
Whether you suspect that you may have contracted mesothelioma from direct or indirect exposure to asbestos fibers, you must inform your physician about your history. Tests/exams that may be used to confirm the disease include the following:
- Chest CT
- X-ray of the chest cavity
- Biopsy of the lung
- Biopsy of the pleura, the lining of the lung
- Cytology of pleural fluid inside the lining of the lung
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Mesothelioma cancerous cells are difficult to diagnose under the microscope.
NYC World Trade Center Asbestos Danger
According to the National Cancer Institute, recovery workers at the site of the 9-11 tragedy in New York City were exposed to high levels of asbestos while working at the WTC site. Asbestos was used in construction of the North Tower. Tons of asbestos fibers were disturbed in the destruction and released into the air.
Tenaciously Handling New York Mesothelioma Cases
There is no substitute for experience in taking on mesothelioma cases. If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you deserve compensation for medical bills, surgeon's bills, the cost of medications, and pain and suffering. We, the New York mesothelioma lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, would like to meet with you to discuss your case. Call (212) 986-7353.