Exposed to High Levels of Asbestos
Along with the risks of developing mesothelioma that comes with being exposed to steady amounts of
asbestos over a long period of time, a risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as
asbestosis or esophegeal cancer can also increase for people who are exposed to high and concentrated amounts of asbestos products or fibers.
For much of the first half of the twentieth century, products containing asbestos were used in a large portion of military, insulation, and mechanical products that could benefit from its fire retardant qualities. For those who lived or worked in buildings containing the fibers, the risks of
asbestos exposure through eroded deposits, or even the water supply, was a distinct possibility.
Even following the reduction of asbestos use for many products, the fibers are still used in many products, albeit in improved casing to limit their exposure to the public. However, breaks in the protective seals could result in asbestos exposure to an unknown number of people and increase their risk of developing mesothelioma.
While its full effect may not be seen for decades, one event that may have exposed millions of people to high levels of asbestos is the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Reports differ on the extent that asbestos was used as a fire retardant in the building’s construction but some estimates suggest that up to 400 tons of asbestos fibers may have been released into the Manhattan air and inhaled by those living in the city.
Because of the long latency period of
mesothelioma symptoms that can keep the disease hidden for close to 40 years, there has not yet been a significant increase in diagnoses for the illness akin to jumps in mesothelioma cases for those working in mining, military, or construction sites that contain asbestos.
However, that does not mean that there have not been warning signs. On May 17, 2010, Robert Oswain, a police officer from the Bronx who helped in the recovery efforts at the WTC site following the attacks, died of
lung cancer at the age of 42. According to the New York Daily News, Oswain’s family suspects that the cancer may have been caused by dust he inhaled while working at Ground Zero.
If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos causing an asbestos-related disease, such as malignant mesothelioma, you may wish to visit the How Can I Get Tested? section of our website to find more information on the various medical tests available for detecting the presence of asbestos-related illnesses. Additionally, speaking to an
asbestos attorney will also help you learn more about possibly pursuing a
mesothelioma settlement.