The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 100,000 people around the world die from asbestos each year. Any exposure to this deadly fiber can lead to serious health conditions, including lung tissue scarring2 (asbestosis), chronic respiratory conditions, and a variety of cancers.
The harmful effects of asbestos may lie dormant for up to 60 years, which means serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, or even symptoms may not appear in victims for several decades after their initial exposure.
Asbestos was once very common in manufacturing goods, packaging products, and construction materials due to its durability and resistance to fire. Even though asbestos is now banned because it is linked to serious illnesses, many people have come into contact with the fiber, either before the dangers were widely known or during the removal and clean-up process.
Workers in the following industries have seen the highest rates of exposure:
There is a history of cover-up associated with asbestos and the harmful effects it can have. Insurance documents from as far back as 1918 reference the dangers for “asbestos workers”, and in 1999, the Florida Supreme Court even cited one fiberglass producer for its “blatant disregard for human safety” as it failed to disclose key information about the “life-threatening risks” of its asbestos products.
For more information about the possible health effects of asbestos exposure or your legal rights in receiving damages for asbestos exposure, contact Becker Law Office today.
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