THE LEGAL AND HEALTH CRISIS SURROUNDING MESOTHELIOMA, LUNG CANCER, AND ASBESTOS
. By LAS Staff Writer
Thousands of people are suffering from these diseases
Today, thousands of people are suffering from diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis--usually decades after asbestos exposure. Asbestos's insulation and fireproofing qualities have been completely overshadowed by knowledge about its severe health consequences.
Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period — for example, mesothelioma and lung cancer can be caused by asbestos exposure that occurred 10, 20, or even 30 years ago; thus, litigation involving the substance is still ongoing as well as public health efforts.
Health Impacts of Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma accounted for over half of asbestos claims in 2023. For more information, consider reading the World Health Organization report on asbestos elimination for more information about the risks of exposure and efforts to eliminate asbestos-related diseases.
From 2019 to 2023, lung cancer made up 37.6% of all asbestos lawsuit filings. KCIC Snapshot said cases of lung cancer from exposure to the substance had risen by 9% in 2023 compared with seven years ago.
Historical Use and Ongoing Risks
For years, asbestos was utilized as a helpful fire retardant and insulating product for thousands of building resources along with shipbuilding materials
Though banned in many applications and industries, asbestos has only been more widely phased out of new buildings and keeps finding its way into renovations or demolition — so the problem won't gently drift away. Workers suffered extensive asbestos exposure while laboring on job sites where it passed unnoticed into their lungs in the form of fibers.
Historical use and plaintiff-friendly legal environments continue to make major metropolitan areas like Madison County, IL, and St. Clair County, IL top spots for the nation's asbestos-related litigation.
Litigation Trends and Legal Landscape
Asbestos-related lawsuits continue to be a crucial means for victims of the mineral to recover damages caused by the mineral. Though the number of asbestos lawsuits fell between 2014 and 2020, they are predicted to stagnate from 2020-2023.
In a notable case in 2018, a jury in St. Louis ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $4.69 billion to 22 women who said asbestos-laced talcum powder caused ovarian cancer..
Gender Disparities in Asbestos Exposure
In 2023, men held the biggest share at 82% of asbestos lawsuits filed. This clearly shows that asbestos exposure is more prevalent in men dominated industries like construction or shipbuilding.
Nevertheless, secondary exposure risks have been recognized more and more, with a particular concern raised about women who may become exposed through the clothes they launder brought home by their family members who work in a high-risk profession.
Age Distribution and Latency Period
Asbestos suits typically involve older plaintiffs — the 70-79 cohort is the largest, followed by those 80+ years old. That age distribution is a result of the long latency period for asbestos-related diseases, which often develop many years after first exposure.
Exposure Types: Primary, Secondary, and Combined
Asbestos exposure can occur through various pathways, each with its implications for public health and legal action. Individuals are primarily exposed to asbestos when they come into contact with it directly at work.
There is also indirect or secondary exposure when a family member who works in high-risk occupations brings home contaminated clothing. Combined exposure refers to those scenarios where people are directly as well as indirectly exposed.
Decades since its widespread use ceased, the legacy of asbestos exposure persists as one of the most severe, globally significant public health concerns. Given the lawsuits that have been taking place, as well as the public health impacts and potential for primary and secondary exposure risks to labor workers at sites of demolition, there is a need for constant top-down regulation and legal frameworks in both the US and elsewhere.
Nevertheless, the fight against asbestos-related diseases is very much ongoing. People must continue to educate themselves about the dangers of asbestos exposure, encourage awareness and prevention-based public health initiatives, and consult legal help if they think they may have been exposed.
This can only be achieved through continued efforts to collaborate between legal advocates and team members, working together with public health professionals and those affected by asbestos exposure to help limit its current impact, while also finding ways in which we can all mobilize toward an Asbestos-Free future.
Asbestos is a soft mineral popular for its heat-resisting properties. When its fibers are inhaled, they lodge in the lungs where they cause diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
How can I determine if I've been exposed to asbestos?
Most victims are exposed to asbestos in industrial settings or because they live or work in an older building. Do a health checkup for testing and screening if you have worked in these environments or been exposed to asbestos.
What diseases are caused by asbestos exposure?
If breathed in, asbestos can cause malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that occurs in the thin lining (mesothelium) of the lung, chest or abdomen and other related conditions. These diseases usually take a long time between exposure and when they present, sometimes even up to years or decades.
Can I file a lawsuit if I've been exposed to asbestos?
Yes, individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file lawsuits. Victims can seek compensation through personal injury lawsuits or through the asbestos lawsuit process from diagnosis to legal, which outlines the legal pathways available to those affected.
Is asbestos still used today?
While asbestos has been banned in many industries, it still exists in older buildings and products. It's essential to identify and manage asbestos safely, especially during renovations or demolitions. More information can be found through OSHA's guidelines on asbestos exposure.
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