Asbestos exposure and mesothelioma

September 26 is the annual day for mesothelioma awareness. Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition that’s caused by asbestos exposure. People in Louisville who develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure might not experience symptoms for 50 years. However, mesothelioma tends to be fast-moving once diagnosed, and a person may only live for about a year after diagnosis.

There are a number of misconceptions about asbestos in the United States. Some people believe it is banned. While this is true in many countries, it is not the case in the U.S., where the rule phasing out asbestos was overturned in 1991. In the summer of 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that asbestos could be allowed back in products in limited amounts as long as those products are unlikely to degrade and expose people to asbestos. However, some argue that asbestos is not safe at any level of exposure.

One consumer watchdog group said it found asbestos in makeup and crayons marketed to children by the brand Claire’s. It may be possible that some talc products are contaminated with asbestos since both are mined from the ground where there may be contact.

Fortunately, treatment for mesothelioma is improving. The increasing use of artificial intelligence for diagnosis and treatment could mean the disease is detected earlier and that patients are offered tailored treatments.

Someone who has developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure might want to contact an attorney. If the person was exposed to mesothelioma by a product, the manufacturer may be liable for medical costs, loss of income and other expenses. An attorney could provide advice as to how to go about seeking compensation. In some cases, if many people suffered as a result of the exposure, there might be a class action lawsuit.