Washington Asbestosis Attorney

Asbestos is a substance that's come under intense scrutiny in recent years, and for good reason. It has been linked to the development and diagnosis of several debilitating and fatal diseases, many which are discovered decades after exposure. As a result, those who have been harmed in this regard are looking to hold those responsible for their exposure accountable.

Below is an overview of asbestos as it relates to one of the diseases to which it's been linked - asbestosis. You'll find information regarding how the disease attacks the body, the symptoms often associated with it, how it's contracted, behaviors and conditions that place people at risk of developing asbestosis and how to proceed if you've been harmed.

About Asbestosis

Asbestosis is generally thought to be caused by only one occurrence - the repeated inhalation of asbestos fibers, which when broken down are microscopic in size. As a result, people do not realize when they are inhaling these fibers until it's too late to correct the problem. The penetration of these fibers into the lungs is what the crux of the problem has been with those who have been diagnosed.

The size of these asbestos particles is critical, as there are several defense mechanisms inside the body that specifically serve to prevent harmful substances from penetrating the respiratory system, including the nose and the bronchi. However, asbestos particles are small enough to pass through these guards and to wreak havoc on the patient's lungs.

When the fibers make their way to the inside of the patient's chest, they tend to lodge in the side lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. When this occurs, the body reacts with internal defense mechanisms, which in this situation usually involves the formation of mucous around the fibers in an attempt to expel them from the system.

Unfortunately, all this does is exacerbate the problem, as the mucous merges with the fibers and causes what's known as fibrosis, or scarring, of the lung tissue. Ultimately, this scarring and the inflammation that results from it can lead to the formation of tumors. This process, when complete, results in asbestosis.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

When asbestosis is diagnosed, the patients usually present at least some of the following symptoms:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent, dry cough
  • Chest tightness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Clubbing of digits
As is the case with many diseases associated with asbestos exposure, asbestosis can not only take years to appear but can also easily be misdiagnosed. The reason for this is that the symptoms mentioned above are quite common in nature, and patients can be diagnosed with many other, much less serious conditions such as a common cold, a respiratory infection or pneumonia. One of the contributing factors to this difficulty in diagnosis is that many patients simply do not think of asbestos exposure as a potential cause, especially if it's been years since that exposure occurred. Unfortunately, this often means that patients are not diagnosed with asbestosis until it's too late.

How Asbestosis is Contracted

As mentioned above, asbestosis is contracted by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. This is one of the few aspects of the disease about which there are few if any questions. The onset of asbestosis tends to come more quickly if the patient has been exposed to asbestos at high levels and for an extended period of time.

At-Risk Conditions for Asbestosis

The use of asbestos has been outlawed in most places, but since decades can pass between exposure and diagnosis, there are still many people who were exposed to asbestos before it was reduced in its presence. People who spent time in the following lines of work tend to be those who face the highest risk for asbestos-related problems:
  • Auto mechanic
  • Shipyard worker
  • Plumber
  • Electrician
  • Insulation installer/remover
  • Pipe fitter
  • Roofer
These occupations present a higher risk because asbestos was used prominently in materials that are central components of these trades. For instance, asbestos used to be put to use in brake pads, shipping hulls, pipes and insulation because of its flame-retardant qualities and durability. In addition, family members of those who have been exposed are also at risk, as the fibers can attach to clothing and be inhaled later.

Asbestosis Lawsuit - Washington Attorneys

If you or someone you love has contracted asbestosis, it can only be because of exposure to asbestos. As such, you need to contact the asbestosis lawyers at Phillips Webster to schedule a free initial consultation, as you do have legal rights and options that need to be analyzed and explained.
 



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