If you are reading this post, chances are you already know much about asbestos and its harmful effects. For the uninformed, asbestos is a fibrous mineral once used in many of our nation’s industries. When dust or particles from asbestos enter the lungs, it can cause cancer, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
It can take a very long time for these illnesses to manifest symptoms in many cases. As a result, most patients fail to realize how sick they are or what caused their condition until several years have passed. In most cases, people acquire asbestos illnesses due to their occupation or that of a family member.
Current occupations with the risk of asbestos exposure
The government has banned asbestos from many products and industries, but the material still affects workers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Current jobs that increase the risk of developing lung cancer related to asbestos include:
- Miner. Louisiana is not known for its mining industry, but it is home to several mines, possibly exposing workers to asbestos.
- Construction worker. Working in construction and demolition often means working with old structures or materials, increasing the risk of exposure.
- Mechanic. Many old model vehicles have auto parts (brakes, for example) containing asbestos fibers, which could put auto workers at risk.
- First responder. Asbestos is a known risk to firefighters, but other first responders (EMTs, police officers, etc.) also risk asbestos exposure.
As we mentioned before, it can take years (or decades) for lung cancer and other asbestos-related conditions to show any symptoms. Even if it has been years since you encountered asbestos, you may qualify for compensation. We urge you to learn more about asbestos-related lung cancer and your options for financial recovery in Louisiana.