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Louisiana May Have An Abestos Problem
By: Nick Johnson
When rescue workers went into New Orleans, Louisiana after the hurricanes to clean up the city and save what property they could, they were not just facing the dangers of the swampy waters and debris, they were also facing the danger of exposure to asbestos, which could have been knocked loose by the destruction of the city. Asbestos is a fibrous material that is often found in slightly older buildings, and can be very dangerous.
So what is asbestos, and why is it dangerous? Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in many buildings as insulation because of the fire retardant nature of the material. It was later discovered that this material can cause dangerous complications in the lungs of those who inhale it.
Whenever this material is disturbed, it releases tiny fibers into the air, which are then breathed in and lodged in the lungs. These microscopic fibers cannot be removed, and will sit in the lining of the lungs of the victims indefinitely. Eventually, this lining often becomes inflamed and cancerous cells begin to grow around the fibers. This rare form of lung cancer is known as Mesothelioma, and there are no other causes of it.
It can take as little as a single exposure to asbestos to cause this deadly cancer, which is why the United States government banned the use of the material in new constructions in 1989. Cases are still showing up today, however, for two reasons. The first is that it can take several years, sometimes as many as ten or more, before the fibers cause the growth of the cancer to the extent that it becomes symptomatic. Secondly, the ban on the use of asbestos in new constructions did not mean that older buildings that already had the material had to be renovated unless the asbestos became exposed, so damage to modern buildings can cause exposure to the current occupants.
It is this danger that rescue and cleanup workers in New Orleans, Louisiana face, and it is for this reason that they must use extra care when removing debris and rebuilding. For those who worked in construction trades before the effects of asbestos were widely known, however, it is likely too late to prevent a potentially deadly exposure to the material. For these people, quick treatment is the best hope for extending their lives and allowing for a higher quality of life, however Mesothelioma, though rare, is exceedingly deadly.
Because of this, you will want tot talk to the top Mesothelioma lawyer in Louisiana to help you get your affairs settled for your family if you have experienced any Mesothelioma symptoms and been tested positive for the cancer. These syptoms are hard to spot because they look very similar to pneumonia, and can include a dry cough, chest pain or pain when breathing, and a difficulty breathing. It is important to ask your doctor if your symptoms could be caused by Mesothelioma - especially if you have worked in a high risk industry such as the military or construction.
Mesothelioma can be hard to spot, because many people who have been exposed do not know that they were exposed, or do not know that there is any danger to the materials that they used to work with. The cancer also has a long gestation period, so that by the time you are diagnosed with this deadly disease, you might not even remember having been exposed, or might not link your exposure to your current lung troubles.
One of the saddest things about Mesothelioma is that it is not a disease that is contracted through your own actions or inactions. Mesothelioma, unlike other forms of lung cancer, is not caused by smoking or living in an area with bad air. Most cases of Mesothelioma are caused by inferior maintenance of older buildings, or by the negligent actions of an employer, whether this is a private construction company or the United States government itself.
Mesothelioma cases have been fought in courts all over the country including Louisiana for many years now by Mesothelioma attorneys. These attorneys specialize in Mesothelioma law, and are familiar with Mesothelioma cases. They will be able to handle your case in a professional manner, and will get you the help that you deserve. Treatment of any kind of cancer can quickly become very expensive, and a Mesothelioma lawyer will help you to get the money you need to keep yourself from becoming a financial burden on your friends, loved ones, or anyone. |