Asbestos Victims May Have More than Mesothelioma to Think About ...

In the ongoing battle against wrongful asbestos exposure, it seems that mesothelioma cancer and respiratory illness may not be the only concern for asbestos victims. In addition to cancer, research suggests that individuals who are exposed to asbestos may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Until now, asbestos exposure has been linked to both mesothelioma and lung cancer according to the American Cancer Society. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that can spread quickly throughout the body ? usually giving victims a poor prognosis for survival. It is nearly always fatal, but is also very rare. However, almost all of the approximate 3,000 individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year have had a prior exposure to asbestos ? whether knowingly or not.

Asbestos is a fine mineral that exists naturally and is mined for its fire retardant and insulating properties. The toxic effects of asbestos have been known for many decades, although manufacturers and employers continued to use asbestos despite health warnings. Asbestos fibers are very fine and easily inhaled or ingested. The fibers can remain dormant in the body for up to forty years or more, and may eventually cause asbestosis or cancer.

The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine recently published a study, however, that showed higher instances of stroke and ischemic heart disease in individuals exposed to asbestos. The study reviewed the deaths of asbestos victims between 1971 and 2005. The results showed that workers who were exposed to asbestos were 63 percent more likely to die of stroke than individuals who had no asbestos exposure. The evidence suggests that asbestos may be responsible for more harm and disease than previously thought.

What to Do If You?ve Been Exposed to Asbestos

Although asbestos is no longer used to the extent it once was, it still poses a potential health danger if you were previously exposed to it or work in an occupation in which asbestos is still a potential threat, such as construction and automotive repair.

If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos directly or indirectly, be sure to attend regular visits with your doctor for check-ups. Tell your physician if you are experiencing shortness of breath, persistent cough or chest pains, and although further research is needed to determine whether asbestos can cause cardiovascular health problems, be sure to learn the symptoms of stroke and heart disease.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer or mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, it is important that you consult with a qualified mesothelioma attorney to explore your legal options. You may have the right to monetary compensation for wrongful asbestos exposure.

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Article source: http://www.mesothelioma.net/2012/06/asbestos-victims-may-have-more-than-mesothelioma-to-think-about/

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