Pittsburgh Asbestos And Mesothelioma Blog

If you're one of many Pittsburgh residents who are currently taking care of a loved one who is terminally ill, you no doubt have days when you feel fatigued, sad or completely overwhelmed. It's important to stay closely connected to others in Pennsylvania or beyond who can relate to your experiences and provide encouragement and support, as needed. The thing about Mesothelioma and other terminal illnesses is that treatment is palliative in nature, meaning it is meant to help keep the patient comfortable but doesn't provide a cure.

That's because there is no cure for Mesothelioma, asbestosis or other cancers related to asbestos exposure. As a caretaker of someone who is dying, it's important to be able to recognize symptoms that suggest the end of life is near. Such days or hours are an intensely personal and intimate time for patients and their families.

Pittsburgh is a treasure trove of beautiful architecture, from its famous bridges and stairs throughout the city to thousands of old, brick homes built many decades ago. If you are fortunate enough to own one of these homes, it is likely a delight to your family and friends, especially those who have a special interest in home design and construction.

Sadly, there is often a hidden danger in these homes and others in nearby Pennsylvania regions. That's why it's important that you learn as much as you can about the danger of asbestos as well as where it is  most likely to exist in your dwelling place.

You've likely heard the dangers of second-hand cigarette smoke? If you're a baby boomer or older, you can probably recall a time when not many people knew smoking cigarettes was bad for their health. A few decades ago, that news hit the headlines after scientists and health experts confirmed that smoking cigarettes can cause lung cancer and other illnesses. In fact, you don't even have to be the one who smokes the cigarettes because the specialists also determined that secondary smoke is dangerous, too.

In Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania regions, there's another silent killer that is dangerous to those exposed to it on a secondary basis: asbestos. You might wonder how one would even come to have an exposure to asbestos second-hand, especially if you've heard that most people who receive asbestos injuries suffer them in the workplace. It is well-known now that secondary exposure is possible, which is why it's critical to know where to turn for support if you or your loved one falls ill.

If you worked in a Pennsylvania coalmine, factory or shipyard, you might have been exposed to asbestos at some point in your career. Living in a home or going to a school that was built in the 1970s or earlier also poses a risk for asbestos exposure. Contracting an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma is not typically immediately apparent.

This is because it usually takes years for symptoms to develop. Once a doctor diagnoses your illness, it is likely to pass through certain stages. The more the disease progresses, the more specialized care and assistance you are bound to need. This is why it's good to know ahead of time what type of medical, financial, health care and legal resources are available.