Is It Mesothelioma? The Symptoms to Know
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on July 13, 2017
Asbestos, the naturally occurring yet toxic mineral, is banned in over 50 countries across the world, but not in the United States. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that roughly 107,000 American workers are subject to asbestos-related diseases per year. One of the most detrimental diseases that can result from asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
In 2017, the Center for Disease Control reported that between 2,400-2,800 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Individuals who face the highest risk of developing the cancer are those who have been exposed to asbestos. People who work in construction, plumbing, and electricity are most commonly exposed to asbestos. Even after asbestos exposure, it may take as much as 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are three separate kinds of mesothelioma: peritoneal, pericardial, and pleural. The primary cause of all three types of mesothelioma is, consequently, inhalation of asbestos. In peritoneal mesothelioma cases, asbestos gets trapped within the abdominal lining and, as a result, the cancer forms there. In cases of pericardial mesothelioma, asbestos fibers lodge and become embedded in the pericardium surrounding the heart. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of the three types and affects the lining of the lungs after being inhaled. It appears in about 2,500 new cases a year.
According to the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center, almost 90 percent of the 3,000 cases of mesothelioma each year are pleural. While it is the most common form of mesothelioma, it is also one of the most difficult to cure. Sadly, only about 40 percent of patients with pleural mesothelioma survive more than one year post-diagnosis.
The best way to increase the survival rate of the disease is early detection; however it can be difficult to recognize the symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, it is important to take into account whether or not you could have been exposed to asbestos in your lifetime.
9 Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
1. Trouble Breathing
2. Chest Pain
3. Buildup of Fluid in the Lungs and/or Abdomen
4. Anemia
5. Nausea and/or Vomiting
6. Weight Loss
7. Fever or Night Sweats
8. Fatigue
9. Weakness in Muscles
It is important to be aware of the common symptoms of mesothelioma. Seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms and may have been exposed to asbestos in the past. It is also important to be aware of the regulations surrounding asbestos in the state in which you live. Since asbestos is not banned across the United States, it has been left up to individual state governments to determine the regulation of asbestos and they vary widely from state to state.
Asbestos Regulation in Kentucky and Indiana
Kentucky has adopted the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) to help combat the mishandling of asbestos. According to the Kentucky Division for Air Quality, Kentucky requires the regulation of demolition, renovation, fabricating, and waste disposal standards. Additionally, any entities performing asbestos abatement must be fully qualified and comply with other state certification regulations and workplace practice requirements. It is also required that with certification to abate asbestos, workers much have the proper training and experience to first and foremost protect the welfare of Kentucky’s citizens and environment.
In Indiana, air quality is taken extremely seriously by the state’s government. Since 1970, the Clean Air Act has been working towards improvement in the air quality of the country. In 1986, Indiana established the IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management) to assist the citizens of Indiana in keeping up with the requirements set by the CAA 16 years prior.
Under the IDEM, the Office of Air Quality is responsible for regulating the removal of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) from structures including commercial, residential, institutional, and industrial buildings. They also call upon the citizens to report any suspicions that asbestos may be present in any of the buildings. They raise awareness by involving their community while also educating them on the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma.
Again, if you feel you have been exposed to Asbestos Containing Materials – it is important to seek medical attention. Visit a doctor immediately if you start to feel any of the symptoms listed above.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and feel that you contracted the asbestos-related cancer due to improper work or living conditions then it is time to seek qualified legal help. Contact the Law Office of Cooper & Friedman for a free case consultation if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos due to the lack of discretion of an employer or landlord. We work very hard to help injury victims finally receive the compensation they deserve. Call us at 502-459-7555 for a free legal consult, or visit our Contact Us page to connect with an experienced injury attorney.