Seven-hundred-thousand buildings contain asbestos products throughout the United States. Asbestos was a material that was banned in the United States during the mid-seventies. Asbestos was banned because it was scientifically linked to the development of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare but very aggressive type of cancer. For some types of mesothelioma, the survival rate is only eight percent. Three-thousand new cases of asbestos related mesothelioma are reported every year. This number is expected to drastically increase during the next decade. If you are a resident of the state of Utah and have negligently been placed at risk for asbestos exposure, it would be wise to contact an attorney. An attorney can process your claim and tell you how much monetary compensation you may be owed. Your employer or manufacturer may be at fault, especially if you have developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was used in buildings, schools, railroads, ships, and private homes during the past several decades. Asbestos was the chosen material for construction because it was flexible, durable, had a low conductivity to heat, was resistant to fire, and also resistant to burning. Many times asbestos was used in insulation materials or in certain products. The workers that were placed at a high-risk for asbestos exposure were those employed at construction sites, factories, manufacturing facilities, railroad facilities, shipyards, railroads, and mines. Also, roofers, masons, plumbers, carpenters, sawyers, and power plant operators are at risk for having handled asbestos-laden products. New workers are at risk if they tear down old buildings that are comprised of asbestos products or if they replace worn out asbestos materials. This allows for a whole new generation of workers to become affected by asbestos exposure. Family members who handled the worker’s clothing that was ridden with asbestos fibers were placed at risk of developing mesothelioma from second hand exposure.

Asbestos is so deadly because it is a poison that our bodies are not able to break down or process. Many times when asbestos fibers are inhaled through the mouth or nose the fibers embed themselves in the lining of the lungs. If a person swallows asbestos fibers the fibers will settle within the abdomen. These fibers are known to cause the development and rapid spread of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the mesothelium, this is the covering that protects our internal organs, and the cells of the mesothelium begin to divide without any order or control. This is the start of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can occur in the chest, abdomen, heart, or lungs. It is usually hard to diagnosis because mesothelioma imitates other types of cancer in its early stages. This is why the survival rate for mesothelioma is so low because it is usually not diagnosed until it has reached advanced stages. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed by a licensed physician. The physician, if they suspect mesothelioma, may ask questions about a patient’s previous work history. The answers given will let the doctor pinpoint when exposure may have taken place. A chest x-ray will show any fluid that has developed, mineral deposits, or an unusual thickening of the lungs which are all signs of mesothelioma.

Thousands of individuals have passed away due to asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma. These deaths could have been prevented if employers would have followed stricter safety guidelines. If you are a resident of the state of Utah and have been exposed to asbestos you should contact an attorney. An attorney can help you through this difficult time.