Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is often linked to asbestos exposure in the work place. A recent study has determined that consumers may also be at risk of dangerous asbestos exposure. ChemRisk, a California firm, released findings stating "hundreds of consumer products contain mesothelioma-causing" asbestos.
Asbestos has been popular in the industrial sector for the same reason it causes health problems: the fibers are very durable. The combination of durability and small size leads to health problems. When inhaled, the particles remain within lung tissue for long periods of time - often decades.
The ChemRisk research team focused on a specific type of asbestos, the non-commercial form tremolite. Results confirmed its presence in many consumer products, including assorted car parts, potting soil and home insulation.
Potential Remedies
Exposure from each individual consumer product is low, but increased awareness is important as only a small portion of asbestos containing products on the market have been analyzed so far. Also, although use of a single product is not concerning, exposure to many over the course of a lifetime may increase health risks.
If exposure leads to lung cancer or mesothelioma, compensation to cover both the economic and noneconomic consequences of asbestos exposure may be available.
Over 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma ever year in the U.S. The long latency period makes determining the cause and time of exposure difficult to determine. However, the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that your legal rights and remedies are properly explored.
