Sunday, March 18, 2012

Mesothelioma Law Firm Warns Younger Workers More At Risk of Asbestos Cancer

Young workers and those new to working in occupations where they are likely to encounter asbestos containing materials need extra protection as they may not be aware of how dangerous exposure to asbestos can be. This is even more so with asbestos hazards, as the fatal consequences caused by exposure to asbestos are not seen until decades later due to a long latency period between initial exposure and development of disease.
According to a recent report published in the European Respiratory Journal, Temporal Patterns of Occupational Asbestos Exposure and Risk of Pleural Mesothelioma, men under the age of 20 who are occupationally exposed to asbestos are more likely to later develop mesothelioma than are those exposed at later ages.

These results highlight the fact that young workers and those new to the workplace, especially where asbestos exposure is known to be a risk, need extra protection. Young and inexperienced workers often lack the experience, knowledge and full understanding of how being exposed to asbestos products can lead to fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma (malignancy that develops in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen that is often called asbestos cancer,) asbestosis (scarring of the lungs,) and other asbestos related cancers. Because the threat of asbestos is not obvious fibers are microscopic and exposure doesn’t lead to immediate effects - young workers may lack the cognition to protect themselves from this occupational hazard.

Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason (CPSM), asbestos attorneys, have represented clients who died of mesothelioma as young as 35 years old – way too young! They urge employers and workers themselves to take precautions by:

Identifying areas and products in the workplace that create risk of exposure to asbestos
Attending trainings to learn what the hazards of asbestos are and how to avoid them
Having a thorough understanding of the long term consequences of occupational exposure to asbestos
Attending safety meetings and orientations that discuss the importance of and ways to avoid exposure
Following workplace protocols, including using personal protective equipment and clothing.

CPSM Urges: Don’t Downplay the Danger of Asbestos

Employers and more experienced, knowledgeable workers probably know about that asbestos presents a risk and that people of all ages, not just older workers, need to worry about protecting themselves to avoid later developing asbestos related diseases. The Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration has regulations for employers as well as guidelines for workers to follow specific to asbestos substances.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, contact one of our asbestos attorneys today at 1-800-440-4262 for a free case evaluation. We have been standing up for and fighting for the rights of asbestos victims for over 30 years.    It’s what we do, and we’re good at it. Contact us today.

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