Asbestos: What you should know

Whether it was woven into popcorn ceilings and insulation or used for its flame-retardant, chemical-resistant properties, asbestos once held promise in the late-19th century as an essential manufacturing and building material. This naturally occurring silicate mineral, made of thin fibrous crystals, was considered invaluable for protecting structures and the people inside.

However, in recent decades, asbestos has proven to be toxic and a far greater danger to people. Today, it is known that if its fibrous material is inhaled, it can cause rare form of cancer, known as mesothelioma.

Since the mid-1980s, many uses of asbestos have been banned in several countries. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the seriousness of asbestos and has a Web site providing more information at www.epa.gov/asbestos.

Nearly all cases of mesothelioma are related to asbestos fibers, which were inhaled at work. However, many more people were exposed to the material indirectly, such as families who lived with workers exposed to asbestos. Anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. Studies predict that there could be 300,000 cases before 2030.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma (including any type of pleural, lung or chest cancer) or asbestos cancer, you may be entitled to collect from negligent companies that disregarded the health and safety of American workers.

Call Berglund & Johnson for a free consultation: 1-800-4-IF-HURT (1-800-443-4878)