Asbestos exposure can cause illness decades later

Many construction workers in Louisville have been exposed to asbestos over the course of their careers. Even after the dangers of asbestos became widely known, construction workers were still regularly exposed to the substance during demolition and remodeling projects. Because there is a latency period for mesothelioma, workers are often diagnosed with the asbestos-related disease long after exposure.

In the past, asbestos was used widely in construction for its strength, durability and fire resistance. It was used to make roof shingles, siding, floor tiles, bricks and many other parts of buildings that construction workers and building occupants came into contact with. The dangerous substance was even used to make fire-resistant kitchen appliances at one time.

Today, people know that tiny asbestos fibers that are invisible to the naked eye can enter the human body when they are inhaled. The sharp fibers can pierce thin membranes that line the heart, lung cavity and abdominal cavity. Exposure to asbestos can result in a cancer called mesothelioma that develops over a period of decades. Some construction workers do not find out that they have mesothelioma until 20 to 50 years have passed since they inhaled asbestos dust.

Because of the latency period, many construction workers do not realize that their cancer diagnosis stemmed from their occupation. People who have been diagnosed as having asbestos-related illnesses might want to meet with an attorney to discuss their situation. There may be several parties that can be identified by an attorney that bear financial responsibility for a victim’s medical expenses and other related losses.