Asbestos is a type of mineral fiber that is mined for building materials. It is a material used for insulation which features fire-resistant qualities. While most people may be exposed to small amounts of asbestos during their lifetime, the contact does not lead to serious health problems.
Airborne Asbestos Is Dangerous
However, if the material is disturbed, it can be released into the air as a toxic material. The released fibers may be either inhaled or ingested over the course of time. Normally, the fibers are released when activities involving demolition work or home maintenance are performed. The fibers remain dormant in the lungs before developing a disease. Therefore, victims of asbestos exposure often need to speak to an asbestos claim law attorney in Twin Falls, ID to submit a claim.
Conditions Related to Asbestos Exposure
People who are exposed to asbestos in shipyards or factories, or who have ingested or inhaled high levels of the fibers, often suffer from such ailments as the following:
- Mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining abdominal cavity or chest
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis – a disease where the lungs develop scarring
The Risk Is Increased if the Exposure Level Is High
The greater and longer the asbestos exposure, the more likely it is that a claimant will need to work with an asbestos claim law attorney. Unfortunately, the risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer continues to increase the number of fibers that are inhaled. This risk is exacerbated further for people who smoke.
Patients Are Normally Older People
Symptoms related to asbestos exposure normally do not surface until twenty to thirty years after the initial contact. Therefore, most people who speak to an asbestos claim attorney are older when they first make a claim.
Today, the EPA regulates the disposal or abatement of building materials that contain asbestos. The governmental agency certifies contractors for asbestos removal and oversees legislation regarding correct removal and disposal procedures. To find out more about this type of legal claim, visit Browning Law online to obtain answers to your questions or arrange a consultation.
