ASBESTOS DIMENSIONS FIBERS

Physical dimensions of certain asbestos fibers affect toxicity, and influence the risk of developing mesothelioma

For mesothelioma legal support, contact Weitz & Luxenberg. We have successfully represented thousands of asbestos-injured workers against employers who failed to provide safe working conditions, and product manufacturers who neglected to warn workers about the dangers of asbestos – a carcinogen that kills approximately 10,000 people in the United States and 90,000 worldwide every year. Read below how the dimensions of asbestos fibers influence the severity of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos dimensions and types of fibers

July 21, 2010 – Occupational asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer, a rare disease that is diagnosed in 3,000 people in the U.S. annually but usually 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure, when the cancer has already reached an advanced stage of development.

The majority of mesothelioma cases develop in the lining of the lungs through inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers, still the most common pathway for incidents of work-site exposures. Construction and shipyard workers are two occupations that have a long history of placing people at risk for asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure happens when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed during work activities, dislodging toxic fibers into the air that are accidentally inhaled by workers.

Dimensions of asbestos fibers

While varying degrees of asbestos exposure can result in the development of mesothelioma later in life, the physical dimensions of asbestos fibers (their length and width) can have a significant impact on whether someone develops the disease.

Malignant mesothelioma is strongly linked to thin asbestos fibers. In addition to mesothelioma, thin fibers are also responsible for the development of asbestosis and asbestos lung cancer, two other conditions that can be caused by airborne asbestos fiber inhalation.

Types of asbestos fibers

There are two main types of asbestos: amphibole asbestos and serpentine asbestos. To view the dimensions of asbestos fibers, they must be examined under a microscope.

Amphibole fibers are straight and shaped like rods or poles. Types of amphibole fibers are: amosite actinolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and tremolite asbestos. Because it stays in the lungs for longer, amphibole is considered more dangerous and more likely to lead to the development of mesothelioma.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is very interested in the dimensions of asbestos fibers, particularly those longer than 5 microns and thinner than 0.5 microns. These fibers are thought to be more dangerous, because they are more difficult for the body to expel.

Contact Weitz & Luxenberg for financial compensation

Meeting with a reputable and experienced mesothelioma cancer lawyer can help a worker injured by asbestos exposure understand their legal options and the litigation process involved in filing an asbestos claim for mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and seek free guidance on your eligibility to receive compensation for lost wages, medical bills and suffering, contact our law firm today through the communication form at left.

Protect your family’s financial future today. There are no fees until we obtain a verdict or settlement in your favor.