Mesothelioma Risks and Causes - Asbestos
Asbestos is the predominant cause of mesothelioma and it is known that exposure to asbestos causes the majority of cases of mesothelioma. An insulating material, asbestos was appealing in the past because it is both heat resistant and fire resistant. As such it was frequently used in bygone years in many industries, including the building, ship-building and motor industries. It was also used in power stations, telephone exchanges and in the manufacturing industry. As a consequence, men in particular who worked in any of these industries were particulary at risk of inhaling asbestos fibres.
Unfortunately asbestos was used extensively in many industries and it weasn't until the mid-1970's that it was realized it was so dangerous. However, since it can take 15+ years for the disease to develop after asbestos exposure, numbers of sufferers are expected to increase over the coming years.
From 2020 onwards it is believed that mesothelioma cases will decrease since laws are now in place banning the use of all types of asbestos.
Although many sufferers have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their past, some have no history of exposure that they are aware of. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases in those who have bben exposed to large amounts of asbestos over a long period of time or from a young age.
If you have been diagnosed with the illness and it can be traced back to asbestos exposure, it is very likely you will be entitled to some sort of mesothelioma compensation and your doctor or a solicitor can explain what you need to do to claim this. Your doctor may also be able to provide you with ways of contacting fellow sufferers and organizations that can help you find out as much as you can about the disease and mesothelioma treatments available. (See: How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma)
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