Mesothelioma and Business Liability

Since its 19^th century introduction to the manufacturing and construction industry, asbestos has caused countless cases of mesothelioma in workers exposed to its toxic fibers. Contracted by the inhalation of airborne particles, mesothelioma is a deadly cancer characterized by the secretion of a lubricating fluid in the membranes surrounding the body’s vital organs, causing said organs to move too freely within the body cavity. While treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy can help prolong worker life spans, it is a deadly disease, killing approximately two to three thousand Americans each year - deaths that could have been prevented had their employers been honest about the risks associated with asbestos handling.

The companies first learned about the dangers of asbestos and the associated risk of mesothelioma as early as the 1920s. Yet, these companies issued no warnings until 1970s, and even then, some companies continued to withhold this information to serve their own interests. As these companies knew of the dangers linked to asbestos, yet still kept this information from their dedicated employees, they may be liable for their workers’ exposure to asbestos and their resulting mesothelioma diagnoses.

One of the more devastating implications of this culture of secrecy lies in the vast number of innocent men, women and children who were indirectly and unintentionally exposed to the toxic asbestos fibers by their loved ones who happened to work with the substance. As asbestos fibers can float in the air for many days at a time, and as these fibers easily attach themselves to articles of clothing, many workers would unknowingly put their families and friends at risk of mesothelioma.

Thousands upon thousands of lives could have been saved if only these companies would have taken responsibility for the welfare of their workers and their families and enlighten them to the known dangers of asbestos exposure. Sadly, asbestos was used in building construction up until 1989, when the EPA finally passed legislation banning the industrial use of asbestos due to its proven negative health ramifications. Since then, thousands of people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have been struggling to pay the mounting medical bills resulting from asbestos exposure that could have been avoided, if only their employers had cared more about their workers and less about their bottom line.