Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma and the Workplace

Information about Mesothelioma from Our South Carolina Injury Attorneys

Picture of extensive right lung mesothelioma chest xray
Doctors diagnose about 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States each year. The major risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure: about 70 to 80 percent of all people diagnosed with mesothelioma report a history of working with asbestos. If you were exposed to asbestos and you now face a diagnosis of mesothelioma, a South Carolina injury attorney at McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC can guide you through the process of analyzing and filing your mesothelioma claim.

Facts about Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a rare form of cancer in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum. The mesothelium lines many of the body’s internal organs, so the cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other lung conditions. The process of diagnosing mesothelioma begins with a review of your medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays, a CT or CAT scan or an MRI, and a biopsy confirms a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, along with general symptoms of declining health such as weight loss. These symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, but it is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms, especially if you have a history of asbestos exposure.

Workers’ Exposure to Asbestos

Mesothelioma is an occupational disease that, in many instances, results from exposure to asbestos. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer and asbestosis, a noncancerous, chronic lung malady. The following occupations are at an especially high risk for exposure to asbestos:

  • Automobile manufacturing production workers
  • Building engineers, including plumbers, steam fitters, masonry workers, and carpenters
  • Electrical workers
  • Shipyard workers, especially Navy personnel
  • Demolition and wrecking crews
  • Railroad workers
  • Construction workers

Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles and insulation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace to prevent injuries at work. People who continue to work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. In addition, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace to reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers.

To find out if your workplace is complying with regulations, contact our South Carolina injury lawyers today.

Get Assistance Now

A South Carolina injury lawyer with McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC has the ability to represent clients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. If you are unsure whether you have a case against a company for a mesothelioma claim, contact our South Carolina injury lawyers at McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC today. Attorneys in our Rock Hill, Columbia, Sumter and Anderson office locations represent clients throughout Charleston, Spartanburg, Florence, Myrtle Beach and all parts of South Carolina.

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