Mesothelioma Facts

Although asbestos is a widely proliferated material, few people understand the devastating effects this mineral can cause. It is doubtful anyone would have used it in so many applications had they only known the truth. A few staggering facts about mesothelioma include:

1. Historical facts about asbestos and mesothelioma

• Asbestos has been used since ancient times.  Greeks and Romans wove the fibers into tablecloths, napkins, and clothes, and threw them into fires to clean them.  They also noted the slaves forced to deal with this material lived shorter lives and usually died of breathing or respiratory problems.

• Asbestos was used extensively in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as modern industry drove the economies of Western Europe and the United States.

• During the Second World War, hundreds of thousands of military personnel were exposed to asbestos on a large scale.  Many of these servicepeople are now beginning to demonstrate symptoms of asbestos-related diseases.

• Many asbestos companies knew the dangers of their products, but chose to ignore or downplay the role asbestos played in many illnesses.

• The first reported death caused by asbestos exposure was documented in medical journals in 1924.

2.  Modern facts about asbestos and mesothelioma

• Over 10,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions each year, 3,000 in the US alone.

• It is estimated that over 110,000 schools in the United States still contain some form of asbestos.

• Even though cigarette smoking does not cause mesothelioma, victims exposed asbestos who smoke suffer a 50-90% increase in the likelihood of developing lung cancers.

• Asbestos has been banned or regulated in many industrialized countries around the world.

• Post-diagnosis survival of mesothelioma is measured in months, because by the time the cancer is detected it is too advanced for treatment.

• Because of the long dormancy of mesothelioma, experts speculate that there will be an increase of cases for the next 20 to 30 years.

3.  Legal facts about asbestos and mesothelioma

• The first lawsuit regarding asbestos injury was filled in 1966 in Texas against Johns-Manville, Fibreboard, Owens Corning Fibreglas and several other manufacturers.

• Mesothelioma cases settle on average between $750,000 and $8 million.

• More than half a million asbestos cases have been filed, with 50,000 in 1998 alone.

• Up to 8 million people in the United States have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos. Asbestos still continues to pose a threat to workers in certain occupations.

• New legislation before the Senate of the United States called the Hatch Bill could potentially limit the amount of compensation victims of asbestos-related diseases could receive.

4.  What can you do if you are the victim of an asbestos-related disease or mesothelioma?

If you or someone you love is suffering from mesothelioma, you have rights. One way to take stand against the callous asbestos industry that put their profits ahead of your health is to take legal action against them. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your pain and suffering, but if you hesitate you may lose your chance for justice due to the statute of limitation laws in your state. Let us help you fight. Contact us today.