Asbestosis is a serious lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Asbestosis is characterized by shortness of breath during exertion, chest pain, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Asbestosis is brought on by breathing airborne asbestos dust, fibers, or particles.  Most cases take five to 10 years after exposure for asbestosis to become apparent, but it can take as long as 20. Generally, workers exposed to the fibers are at greatest risk, however their families can also be at risk.  Workers can carry the fibers home on their clothing, which are then released into the air exposing family members to the risk of asbestosis.

What Can I Do About Asbestosis?

To date, there is no known cure for asbestosis. You can only try to prevent further damage by removing yourself from exposure. There are a number of treatments available to help ease the symptoms including medication. In severe cases, a lung transplant may be needed.

How Did This Happen?

Fibers from asbestos are light and can travel through the air. People who work around these fibers, or are exposed to them in some other way, can inhale them into their lungs. These fibers cause scar tissue to build up. Asbestosis can range from mild to severe, severity generally depends on factors such as length of exposure and the amount inhaled.

Regulations To Prevent Asbestosis

Asbestosis is not as common a risk today as it was in the past. Strict government regulations are now in place to protect people from airborne fibers. Until the late 1970s, however, regulations requiring companies to protect their workers and families from exposure were not in place. Companies were aware of the potential danger of asbestosis since  the 1940s. Since it can take 20 years or more for symptoms of asbestosis to appear, you or your loved ones may have been exposed long ago at a company that is now hard to trace. Because companies are bought and sold every day, those suffering from asbestosis need an experienced team of lawyers to help them find the responsible parties in order to get the best medical care possible.

Contact our mesothelioma lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation on your asbestosis case. Fill out the FREE case review form at the right or call us toll free at (866)222-2606 today. We never charge a fee until we successfully resolve your case. We can even help you get the medical care you need while we get you the compensation you deserve.