Asbestos was once well known across the globe for its fire-resistant properties. It was considered to be a magic mineral – and so was the animal associated with it: the salamander. Unfortunately, those “magic properties” came at a cost, and asbestos has since left a long trail of suffering and disease in its wake.

Up till 2015, asbestos was mined in large quantities across the globe. About 2 million metric tons were mined in 2015 alone. As awareness and legal ramifications grew, the reliance on asbestos decreased. In 2022, only 1.3 million metric tons were produced despite relatively higher demand. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at the insidious timeline from asbestos exposure to the development of related illnesses. We will also emphasize the importance of swift compensation through trusts for victims and their families.

Understanding The Asbestos Timeline

According to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), exposure to asbestos fibers claims more than 39,285 deaths a year in the U.S. alone. Many of these deaths may be preventable, or the suffering may be at least lessened, if the people exposed are aware of the signs of asbestos poisoning and related diseases. Understanding the timeline of how asbestos impacts one’s health over the short, medium, and long term could lead to better outcomes.

The Initial Exposure

Asbestos exposure typically begins in the workplace, where individuals unknowingly inhale or come into contact with asbestos fibers. The occupations most at risk include shipyard workers, construction workers, and industrial laborers. The fibers can also find their way into homes and public spaces, however, posing a risk to bystanders.

Immediate Symptoms

People who have been exposed to asbestos may experience mild or acute symptoms shortly after they come into contact with these fibers. Immediate symptoms might include but are not limited to:

·        Shortness of breath.

·        Excessive dry coughing.

·        Chest pain ranging from mild discomfort to more pronounced.

·        A rash, excessive itching, and reddening of the skin.

·        Crackling sounds or wheezing when breathing.

·        Loss of appetite.

It’s crucial to understand that these immediate symptoms are often non-specific and may be caused by various other factors as well. Regardless, it is important to consult a healthcare professional right away if an individual suspects they’ve been exposed.

The Prolonged Latency Period & Onset of Symptoms

One of the most perplexing aspects of asbestos-related diseases is their protracted latency period. After the initial exposure, it can take anywhere from 20 to 25 years, or even longer, for the first symptoms to appear.

The more severe, chronic symptoms associated with asbestos-related illnesses, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, usually develop decades after exposure, and this is why it’s essential to seek medical attention and undergo regular check-ups if an individual suspects they’ve been exposed (even if there are no immediate symptoms). Early detection is key to effectively managing asbestos-related diseases.

This extended latency period not only complicates the diagnosis but also the treatment of any illnesses detected.

Asbestosis

One of the primary illnesses linked to asbestos exposure is asbestosis, a progressive lung disease characterized by the gradual scarring of lung tissue leading to debilitating symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, and chest pain.

Prognosis for asbestosis varies depending on the individual, but it generally offers a more favorable outlook compared to other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestosis victims may have to wait several years for compensation, if they don’t have the right representation, for the simple fact that the disease is less progressive than others.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma stands as perhaps the most harrowing consequence of asbestos exposure. This cancer predominantly affects the mesothelial lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen – hence, it’s name. Tragically, mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive cancers known to medicine, offering a grim prognosis. Life expectancy is often measured in months, rather than years, underscoring the urgency of swift compensation for patients and their families.

Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure also heightens the risk of developing lung cancer. While lung cancer shares numerous symptoms with mesothelioma, it has a broader spectrum of treatment options. Prognosis varies depending on factors such as the cancer’s stage and the overall health of the patient.

Medium To Long-Term Symptoms of Asbestos Damage

Asbestos exposure can lead to medium and long-term health effects, with two of the most serious conditions being asbestosis and mesothelioma, as mentioned above. Here are the medium to long-term symptoms associated with these diseases:

Asbestosis:

Medium-Term Symptoms (10-20 years after exposure):

·        Progressive Shortness of Breath: Asbestosis typically begins with mild or occasional shortness of breath during physical activities. Over time, this symptom tends to worsen.

·        Persistent Cough: A chronic, persistent cough often develops as lung function deteriorates due to tissue scarring (fibrosis).

·        Chest Tightness or Discomfort: Patients may experience a sense of chest tightness or discomfort, which can be attributed to reduced lung function and increased effort required to breathe.

·        Reduced Exercise Tolerance: Individuals with asbestosis may notice that they can no longer engage in physical activities to the same extent as before due to diminished lung capacity.

Long-Term Symptoms (20+ years after exposure):

·        Severe Shortness of Breath: As the disease progresses, patients may experience severe shortness of breath even at rest, severely impacting their quality of life.

·        Respiratory Failure: In advanced stages of asbestosis, the lungs may become so severely scarred that they can no longer provide sufficient oxygen to the bloodstream, leading to respiratory failure, a life-threatening condition.

·        Heart Problems: Asbestosis can strain the heart because it has to work harder to compensate for reduced lung function. This can lead to heart failure.

Mesothelioma:

Medium-Term Symptoms (10-20 years after exposure):

·        Pleural Effusion: An early symptom of pleural mesothelioma is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (termed pleural effusion), causing chest pain and discomfort, as well as difficulty breathing.

·        Chest Pain: Persistent chest pain, often on one side, is a common medium-term symptom of pleural mesothelioma.

·        Unexplained Weight Loss: Many mesothelioma patients experience significant weight loss without any apparent cause.

Long-Term Symptoms (20+ years after exposure):

·        Advanced Breathing Difficulties: As pleural mesothelioma progresses, it can cause severe, unrelenting shortness of breath due to the encasement of the lungs by tumor growth.

·        Coughing up Blood: Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) may occur in advanced stages as the tumor invades blood vessels in the chest.

·        Cachexia: Severe wasting and muscle loss, known as cachexia, can result from the advanced stages of mesothelioma.

·        Spread to Other Organs: Mesothelioma can metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body, leading to symptoms related to organ involvement, such as abdominal pain and bowel obstruction (if it spreads to the abdominal cavity).

It’s essential to recognize that these symptoms may vary among individuals, and not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop these conditions. Early detection and diagnosis are critical for better outcomes, particularly in the case of mesothelioma, which is notoriously aggressive.

Anyone who suspects they’ve been exposed to asbestos and/or is experiencing any of the above symptoms, should seek immediate medical attention, informing a healthcare provider about potential exposure history. It can also help to contact an experienced asbestos lawyer to start the legal proceedings right away.

Prognosis & The Vital Role of Trusts

Sadly, mesothelioma is characterized by its aggressiveness and typically carries one of the bleakest life expectancies among all cancers. Given this dire prognosis, prompt action is not only advisable; it is essential for victims and their families. This is where asbestos trusts emerge as a critical lifeline.

Expedited Compensation

Asbestos trusts are established by companies that have faced asbestos-related lawsuits and subsequently sought bankruptcy protection. These trusts are specifically designed to provide expedited compensation to victims of asbestos exposure.

Speed is of the essence, as the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients is usually counted in months rather than years. At the same time, lawsuit settlements and judgments can average 6 months with trusts to several years, depending on the severity.

Leaving A Lasting Legacy

While compensation cannot erase the damage inflicted by asbestos exposure, it can furnish much-needed financial support to victims and their families. Establishing a lasting legacy for loved ones is a paramount consideration when pursuing compensation through trusts.

Conclusion

Asbestos exposure often initiates a slow but inexorable countdown towards illness progression. The timeline from initial exposure to the development of asbestos-related diseases tends to span decades, making it an intricate and distressing journey for victims seeking justice.

Asbestos-related illnesses, particularly mesothelioma, deliver devastating prognoses, highlighting the urgency of securing compensation through asbestos trusts. Victims and their families must act swiftly to obtain the financial support they require and leave a legacy that will endure through these challenging times.