May 31, 2011 - Jason Wentworth
In addition to the homes that were destroyed and the lives that were lost as a result of the devastating tsunami that struck Japan in March, another, invisible danger lurks: asbestos contamination.
According to MSNBC, asbestos was found “in the air and in debris collected from the northeastern coast of Japan “(MSNBC) which was the worst affected. Although the levels of asbestos have not exceeded Japan’s safety range, even the slightest amount of exposure to asbestos can cause incurable ailments such as mesothelioma, the deadliest known cancer.
As “cranes and cleanup crews continue their work in earnest,” their handling of “insulation and fireproofing layers,” (MSNBC) will inevitably send miniscule asbestos fibers into the air, thereby endangering countless civilians. Nature can also play a role; “during windy days, asbestos particles can swirl through the air, stinging eyes and irritating throats.” (MSNBC)
What makes mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses especially dangerous is that their symptoms don’t arise until 20-50 years after exposure. Unfortunately, the medical treatments that are currently available can only serve as palliative treatments that can alleviate pain rather than cure the illness itself.
Asbestos has caused countless unnecessary deaths in people around the world. If you are suffering from an asbestos related disease and would like to seek legal advice, Weitz & Luxenberg can help you secure compensation.
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