Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that is mined from the ground and used in products commonly used in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and other industries. A mesothelioma tumor can present in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
Who is at Risk for Mesothelioma?
Anyone who was exposed to asbestos may be at risk for mesothelioma, including:
1. Workers with Occupational Exposure: Construction, shipbuilding, ship repair, manufacturing, refinery, railroad, and power plant workers have a higher risk of exposure to asbestos, as it was commonly used in various materials and products in these fields. The Harty Jewell mesothelioma lawyers have represented workers from each of these industries, including workers who worked at Newport News Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Norshipco, Amoco Oil Refinery, Dupont, Allied Chemical, Norfolk and Western Railway, C&O Railway, various local power plants, and other industrial sites.
2. Family Members of Asbestos Workers: Also called "take-home" or "para-occupational" exposure: Any family member or individual who lived with an asbestos worker may be at risk if they come into contact with asbestos fibers brought home on the worker's clothing or belongings. The Virginia asbestos lawyers at Harty Jewell, PLLC have represented wives and children who developed mesothelioma from asbestos dust and fibers brought home on the clothes or personal property of their fathers or significant others who worked at industrial sites or shipyards.
3. Veterans: Military veterans, especially those in the Navy, may have an increased risk of mesothelioma due to asbestos-containing materials used in ships, ship repair and construction, and naval buildings. It is not uncommon for Navy sailors to have worked with or around asbestos-containing products utilized in ship maintenance, and many sailors also served aboard ships that entered shipyards for repairs or overhauls. The Virginia asbestos lawyers at Harty Jewell, PLLC have represented many Navy veterans as well as veterans from other services.
4. Those Exposed to Asbestos in Building Renovations: Asbestos was used in construction materials, especially in buildings built before the 1980s. Therefore, individuals may be at risk for exposure to asbestos if proper precautions and safety methods are not utilized during renovations to older buildings, or if asbestos-containing materials become disturbed or deteriorate over time. The Virginia asbestos lawyers at Harty Jewell, PLLC have represented many construction and renovation victims.
5. Certain Trades: Some specific occupations, such as asbestos miners, insulators, pipecoverers, machinists, pipefitters, plumbers, electricians, and mechanics, had higher levels of asbestos exposure historically and may have an elevated risk of developing mesothelioma.
6. Talcum Powder Users: Individuals who used talcum powder and talc-based products are also at risk for asbestos exposure. Talc is mined, and those mines also contain the mineral asbestos that is mixed in with, and inseparable from, the talc. The presence of asbestos in talcum powder and talc products puts people who use these products, mainly women, at risk for developing mesothelioma as well as ovarian cancer.
It is critical for any individual who believes they may have been exposed to asbestos to monitor their health, notify their physician of any prior potential exposure to asbestos, and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss. Detecting mesothelioma early, and seeking medical treatment promptly can significantly improve the prognosis for mesothelioma patients. If you have a known or suspected exposure to asbestos, consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and monitoring of your health.
Whether your exposure to asbestos was on the job, as a result of the work of a family member, or due to talc usage, the Virginia asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers at Harty Jewell, PLLC can help. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, please contact us. We offer free consultations, and personalized service for all of our clients. Contact us today at 757-568-9633 or via email at info@hartyjewell.com.
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