Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly cancer that is most often caused by exposure to asbestos, but there may other reasons for a mesothelioma diagnosis. Did you know that mesothelioma can take up to 50 years to develop after initial asbestos exposure?[1] You may not know that you even have it until at an advanced age.
There are multiple possible causes and risk elevations for mesothelioma, including:
Causes and Risk Elevations
Asbestos – About 80% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in the past.[2] Asbestos is a carcinogen as well as a mineral composed of soft, flexible fibers known for its cost-effectiveness and its fireproofing and insulation capabilities. Manufacturers, throughout the 20th century, hid the truth about the dangers of asbestos from the public, until the effects of asbestos use and exposure came to be recognized. Today it is used in hundreds of U.S. consumer products.
Smoking – Smoking in combination with a past or current exposure to asbestos can increase your risk of developing mesothelioma.
Radiation – Radiation therapy for your chest or for diseases like lymphoma, lung, or abdominal cancers can increase your risk for developing mesothelioma.
Genes – About 1% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma inherited mesothelioma through genetics.
Zeolites – Zeolites are minerals that can be found in industrial and household products such as drying agents, detergents, water and air purifiers, water softeners, cat litter, and odor control. Exposure to erionite, a type of airborne fibrous zeolite, is directly related towards a high rate of mesothelioma.[3][4][5]
Simian Virus 40 – Polio vaccines administered in the 1950s and 1960s were made from rhesus monkey kidney cells. These vaccines were eventually contaminated with SV40. Lab testing using these vaccines on animals caused them to develop mesothelioma and tumors. Sequences of SV40-like DNA have been found in mesothelioma samples in humans.[6]
Remote Work and Asbestos
Many workers have had to work remotely or telecommute in the face of challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created. Some workers may have been previously unfamiliar with working from home, considering it something new. Unfortunately, your home may contain asbestos that you may not even be aware of. Conducting home renovations can cause old asbestos fibers to be airborne and breathed in. If you are concerned that work-from-home policies have exposed you to asbestos that otherwise would have been mitigated, had you been working outside of home, contact a New Jersey asbestos injury attorney today at (973)-943-4961.
Types of Malignant Mesothelioma
If you have developed inflammation, scarring, and cell damage, you may have malignant mesothelioma. Types of malignant mesothelioma include:
Pleural Mesothelioma – Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the linings of the lungs and the chest activity. People with this type of mesothelioma may not be able to expand their chest normally. Fluid may build up in the chest. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, a dry cough, and chest pain.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma – Peritoneal mesothelioma may occur in the lining of the abdominal cavity. Sometimes pleural mesothelioma can spread to the peritoneum, causing this. Common symptoms include abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, and vomiting.[7]
Types of Workers at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma
Several types of workers are at increased risk of developing mesothelioma because of their occupations. They include:
In addition, other types of people are at heightened risk of developing mesothelioma, including:
Veterans – Asbestos was widely used in each branch of the military until the late 1970s, when it began being phased out. As such, veterans are some of the most common people who develop mesothelioma.
Family Members – Take-home fibers from asbestos can be inhaled and found on one’s hair, skin, and clothing if you work or have worked with asbestos. Often dubbed “bystander” mesothelioma, family members who may inhale or swallow these fibers are at heightened risk of developing mesothelioma.[9]
Up to half of female mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure at home. It is important to take precautions if you live with someone who could bring asbestos fibers into your home. This includes:
Remembering not to wash or mix contaminated clothing with non-contaminated clothing, or
Shaking out dusty clothes
Hugging relatives who had yet to shower or change clothes
Sleeping or playing near contaminated clothing
If you work with asbestos, your personal protective equipment will help limit your exposure. Separating your equipment from your regular clothing is important, and there should be separate units at your workplace for each of these. In addition, remember to shower before you leave your workplace.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Often, workers may develop pulmonary fibrosis. This is a non-cancerous lung disease in which victims may develop lung scarring and thickened lung tissue, making it harder to breathe. Pulmonary fibrosis is a terminal illness. Asbestosis is not cancerous and is a type of pulmonary fibrosis, affecting only the lungs and respiratory tract. Those who develop asbestosis may be at high risk of developing asbestos-related lung cancer in the future.[10]
Below is an example of one of our cases involving a client with asbestosis:
Our client, who worked for Home Depot, developed a deeply aggressive form of asbestosis and restrictive lung disease following a career as a tile installer working with asbestos latent tiles. The disease ultimately left him totally and permanently disabled as of 2015. The client was ultimately concerned about securing payments for his wife prior to his death. With this in mind, LIVINGSTON DIMARZIO BROWN, LLP was able to negotiate a settlement $225,000.00. The petitioner was also able to receive Social Security Disability and maintain their right to receive payments from any future personal injury settlements against manufacturers of asbestos latent tiles.[11]
Why Choose Us to Be Your Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyers?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. You may not know how to proceed forward in such a difficult time. Along with seeking medical attention, getting in touch with an attorney is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. At LIVINGSTON DIMARZIO BROWN, LLP, our mission is to make sure you have the tools necessary to be able to live your life.
If your loved one died because of mesothelioma, we are here to help. Our team of experienced New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers pride themselves on protecting families. We know that losing a loved one can be devastating. After a death in the family, you will want to pursue survivor or death benefits to keep yourself and your family members afloat.
Once you speak with us, we will help you determine if you have a case worth pursuing, find out who was responsible for your injury, and learn the best ways to pursue litigation.[12] Contact us today for a free consultation at (973)-943-4961.
Sources
[1] “Causes of Mesothelioma – Abramson Cancer Center: Penn Medicine.” Penn Medicine – Abramson Cancer Center, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/types-of-cancer/mesothelioma/causes.
[2] “Mesothelioma Causes: Risk Factors & Asbestos Exposure.” Mesothelioma Center – Vital Services for Cancer Patients & Families, Asbestos.com and The Mesothelioma Center., www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/causes/.
[4] “Zeolite.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/zeolite.
[6] Selby, Karen. “Simian Virus 40 and Mesothelioma.” Mesothelioma Center – Vital Services for Cancer Patients & Families, Asbestos.com and The Mesothelioma Center, www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/simian-virus-40/.
[7] “Types of MALIGNANT MESOTHELIOMA.” NYU Langone Health, NYU Langone Hospitals, nyulangone.org/conditions/malignant-mesothelioma/types.
