Asbestos was a product commonly used in building materials in Pennsylvania for many years without consideration of the potential harm that the product could cause. The material was pervasive until it was discovered just how toxic it actually could be in the long run, which also meant the damage was done long before any medical application could be applied to deter the growth of mesothelioma. While Congress implemented an asbestos abatement program several decades ago, the disease mesothelioma is still found in some individuals who were exposed in their younger days or who contracted the disease in another manner.
Contemporary impact
The abatement program has been effective over time with the number of those infected decreasing regularly. Cases of mesothelioma are often not as severe as before, and there have been new treatment methods developed over the years that doctors can now apply with success. In addition, the funding that was appropriated early on in the program is still allocated today for those who can prove their case.
Understanding the potentially affected
While it is generally assumed that those who develop mesothelioma worked in industrial or military employment when they were young, there are more cases being diagnosed that are actually associated with radiation exposure due to diagnosis and treatment of other forms of cancer. This can also include forms of the disease centered in the abdomen. The lungs are no longer the central focus of all cases. This is a new development in the recognition and treatment of the disease and can even be found in individuals under age 45.
Financial recovery is available for those who qualify
The good news for victims of this rare form of mesothelioma is that they are eligible for financial compensation as are those who were exposed to asbestos during employment years ago. An experienced Pennsylvania mesothelioma attorney may be able to assemble all evidence and present the case effectively.