When we hear the word asbestos we all shudder. But for many, the threat of asbestos has been reduced, and as a result so too has public concern. Having been identified as the only known cause of of mesothelioma, asbestos has gained plenty of international attention. Recent news out of Huntington Beach, California serves as a reminder that asbestos is still a problem, and that its threat it still real. Three elementary schools in the Huntington Beach area were closed earlier this week when asbestos fibers were discovered in a classroom. Its discovery led officials to test other local schools only to find that asbestos was present in them as well.
Asbestos was widely used throughout the 20th century until it was discovered that prolonged inhalation of its fibers were carcinogenic and could lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma. Despite the regulations imposed on asbestos use, a lot of cases are still coming to light as asbestos becomes more harmful when damaged. One of the biggest causes of asbestos problems is time itself.
The combination of asbestos-caused diseases, its widespread use, and it continued long-term use despite knowing of harmful effects have led to the longest and most expensive litigation in U.S. tort history. As recently as 2013, asbestos claims continued to rise as this multi-billion dollar litigation continues. This is largely due to the time it takes for asbestos to cause its damage. The fibers are so small that they embed themselves in the lungs and usually do not manifest their symptoms for as long as 20 years.
If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases, you may be entitled to compensation. For more information regarding asbestos, exposure, and potential litigation, please do not hesitate to contact Lowe Law Group today!