Asbestos is a class of minerals that is recognized for its durability and resistance to high temperatures. It has been used as an insulator since ancient times. More recently, asbestos has been mined and used widely in the West in homes and commercial buildings, as well as in consumer products. Although asbestos provides inexpensive, reliable insulation from heat, it has also been linked to mesothelioma and other diseases.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is the protective lining around the body’s internal organs. In the United States, approximately 2,500 new cases of mesothelioma are reported each year.
Individuals who face prolonged periods of asbestos exposure are most at risk for developing mesothelioma. For truck drivers, this means individuals who spent their careers transporting materials that contain asbestos, like drywall and paint before the EPA required that asbestos be removed from these products.
Mesothelioma’s Latency Period
Mesothelioma has a latency period of twenty to fifty years. This means that it could be years, even decades, before a driver who was exposed to asbestos notices symptoms of mesothelioma.
These symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing. You do not have to be diagnosed with mesothelioma to file an asbestos exposure claim against your current or former employer. In some cases, individuals can even file claims against companies that are no longer in business.
How Asbestos Enters the Body
Asbestos can enter the body in two ways: inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Inhalation is the most common way asbestos can enter the body by far. Therefore, pleural mesothelioma, mesothelioma that affects the lining of the lungs and respiratory system, is the most common type of mesothelioma reported in the United States.
Asbestos can be inhaled when it is in powder form. Individuals who transport asbestos are urged to always wear protective clothing, including masks and gloves, when handling asbestos.
Filing an Asbestos Exposure Claim
If you find yourself experiencing the symptoms listed above after a career of working with asbestos products, you could be entitled to receive monetary compensation for your medical needs. Contact your doctor with your symptoms to determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness.
We Can Help
If you are a current or former truck driver suffering from mesothelioma, contact The Hurt Boss at 678-806-7715 or on the web to discuss the next legal steps for you. We can determine an appropriate course of action and help you seek the money you may be entitled to receive for the costs associated with your illness.
