You’ve likely seen the term asbestos in Pennsylvania news headlines at some point in time. People in this state, especially regions like Pittsburgh, have suffered serious injuries related to asbestos in connection with past work in steel mills, shipyards, textile factories, schools and other old buildings. You won’t be able to recognize signs of asbestos-related illness if you don’t clearly understand what asbestos is and under what circumstances you may have come into contact with it.
Once you have the basic facts regarding asbestos, it’s critical that you seek medical attention if you or someone in your family is exhibiting signs of possible injury in connection with asbestos exposure. Sadly, many employers long ago were completely aware that they were placing workers in danger but were more concerned with productivity and profit instead of worker safety and the well-being of their employees. Such greed and power has wreaked havoc on many people’s health. Support is available for these families.
Asbestos is most dangerous because you can’t see it
The following information provides basic knowledge about asbestos, including issues that create the greatest risk for injury and also what type of support is available to those who fall ill:
- While asbestos is a singular term, it is actually multiple naturally occurring minerals that are microscopic.
- The minerals that comprise asbestos are generally heat resistant and also resistant to corrosion, which is why the construction industry often uses it.
- In the past, products such as insulation, vehicle parts like clutches and brakes, flooring, ceiling tiles and cabinetry contained asbestos.
- If you’re exposed to asbestos, you might breathe in or ingest its microscopic fibers, which can in turn become lodged in your lungs and develop into serious, often incurable infections or diseases.
- Mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis are two of the most common asbestos-related injuries.
No amount of exposure to asbestos is safe. If you found work at one time in a Pittsburgh coal mine, steel mine, shipyard, or old school or church building, and you have developed symptoms over time, such as lingering cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, lack of appetite or fatigue, you may want to seek immediate medical attention and make sure your doctor knows your employment history.
Justice for the afflicted
Learning that your illness was likely preventable can lead to feelings of anger and frustration. It may help to speak with other asbestos victims as well as those experienced in asbestos litigation, should you choose to seek recovery for your losses in court.