Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems over time.

People who have been exposed to asbestos  through work or living in older buildings, as well as those who lived with industrial workers and had secondary exposure from their work clothing, should get tested to check for lung diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Asbestos, a mineral fiber found in rocks and soil, was once championed for its remarkable insulating and fire-retardant properties. Tragically, a sinister truth was concealed for decades in the interest of profit-protection; asbestos exposure can cause severe health problems, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. But, just how far does the risk spread?

Asbestos is the problem that won’t go away.

First things first, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the ubiquitous nature of asbestos – that this deadly material still lurks in countless homes across the country – and exposición ocupacional itself. Asbestos was a phenomenally popular material used across various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. The United States saw a peak in the use of asbestos in the 1970s, with in excess of 30 million tons of asbestos-containing materials used in everything from farmhouses to skyscrapers. Little did the workers in these industries know, but exposure to these high levels of asbestos can be hazardous, even fatal.

Clearing the Air: The Risks of Secondary Exposure

Secondly, let’s focus even more on secondary exposure. Asbestos fibers are durable and sticky, meaning that once they are released into the air, they can easily stick to clothes, hair, and skin. This means that people who are not directly working with asbestos but are in contact with someone who is can also be at risk of exposure. For example, even children of industrial workers and other household members are at risk from exposición de segunda mano. This can happen when asbestos fibers are brought home on clothes and shoes, and then family members unknowingly inhale the fibers that invisibly surround them.

Global asbestos exposure remains high

According to the World Health Organization, around 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos at their place of work, and over 107,000 sadly succumb to asbestos-related diseases each year. Shocking, right? What’s even more profoundly sad is that these deaths could have been prevented if people had been more aware of the dangers of asbestos and taken appropriate protective measures.

Asbestos Screening: Dusting off the Truth

So, who should get tested for asbestos exposure? Well, anyone who has been exposed to the ghastly stuff, either directly or secondhand, should consider getting screened for asbestos-related diseases. This includes people who have worked in industries where asbestos was commonly used, such as construction workers, shipyard workers, and factory workers. It also includes people who have lived with someone who worked in these industries or who had exposure to asbestos-containing materials at home, such as DIY enthusiasts or homeowners who have renovated older properties.

Asbestos screening typically involves a chest X-ray or a CT scan, which can detect changes in the lungs caused by asbestos fibers. If the results show abnormalities, further tests may be necessary, such as a lung function test or a biopsy. The earlier these diseases are detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Now, let’s talk about why it’s essential to take asbestos screening seriously. As mentioned, asbestos exposure can cause severe health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases can take years – if not decades – to develop and can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, causing chronic pain, difficulty breathing, and even death.

If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, either directly or secondhand, it’s important to get screened for asbestos-related diseases, as early detection can make a considerable difference to prognosis and overall quality of life and health. Stay safe, get screened, and spread the word.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

It’s also vitally important to take preventative measures to minimize your risk of exposure to asbestos. If you work in an industry where asbestos is commonly used, be sure to follow all safety protocols, wear protective gear, and attend regular training on how to handle asbestos safely. If you’re working on a renovation project or any home improvement project, consider the age of the building and the materials used, and take no chances; if you suspect asbestos-containing materials are present, consult with a professional to ensure safe removal and disposal. Never forget that the Instituto Nacional del Cáncer’s stance on the dangers of asbestos exposure is that no amount can be considered safe – no reno project is worth the risk. 

Asbestos Trusts: Providing Financial Relief for Victims

For decades, companies exposed millions of workers to this toxic mineral fiber, causing many people to develop asbestos-related diseases, considerably impacting, if not devastating, lives and families.

To address this colossal negligence and disregard for human life, many companies have set up fideicomisos de asbesto to compensate victims for their injuries. These trusts are funded by either the companies themselves or their insurers, and can provide financial assistance to those diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the illness and the case.

Fondo fiduciario de asbesto

One of the most well-known asbestos trusts is the Asbestos Trust Fund, created as part of the bankruptcy process for companies being sued over asbestos exposure. The Department of Justice manages the fund, which currently holds over $30 billion in assets. This fund is available to those who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases and can prove their exposure was caused by one of the companies involved.

Apart from the Asbestos Trust Fund, many other asbestos trusts are available to victims. These trusts include the Johns Manville Trust, the Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust, and the W.R. Grace Trust. Each trust has its own criteria for compensation, so it’s important to research and understand the specifics of each trust.

Still, if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it’s crucial to know your rights and seek compensation. Many victims of asbestos exposure face significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other crushing financial burdens. Compensation from an asbestos trust can help alleviate some of these stresses; if you think you might be eligible for such funds, you should pursue them without a second thought.