The risk of asbestos exposure can be more present in specific industries than in others. For workers in the construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing industries, the chances of contact with this substance could be unpredictable and unavoidable. The outcome of these scenarios can also be devastating, depending on whether the victims develop severe health conditions.
Common illnesses caused by asbestos
Sometimes, the diseases associated with this substance can be grave, including the following:
- Asbestosis — It happens when a person inhales asbestos, damaging the lungs and causing difficulty breathing and scarring. This illness usually progresses over an extended period, showing symptoms only in later stages.
- Pleural disease — This issue occurs when the membrane within the lungs thickens partially or completely because of inhaling asbestos, resulting in breathing problems.
- Cancer affecting the lungs — There could be multiple types of cancer that affect the lungs because of asbestos, including malignant tumors characterized as lung cancer and mesothelioma, which is a rarer variety targeting the membrane within the organ. Both develop over prolonged durations, but mesothelioma can take longer to manifest symptoms, usually from 30 to 40 years.
The most alarming aspect of these diseases is that they seldom manifest symptoms during their initial stages, making them challenging to diagnose before they get worse.
Getting help when necessary
When struggling with health effects caused by toxic exposure on the job, workers’ compensation benefits can become a safety net, especially in severe cases. Still, these situations can be tricky, considering the requirements and supporting paperwork needed for a claim. Before deciding to file and initiate the process, seeking legal counsel can be beneficial. It might not guarantee favorable results, but it can help prepare claimants adequately while addressing issues that may arise.