How does lung cancer develop from asbestos exposure?

Lung cancer can result from asbestos through the inhalation of asbestos fibers in the air. This can occur when mining and processing asbestos, producing asbestos-containing products, or installing asbestos insulation. It can also occur when older asbestos-containing materials begin to break down. In any of these situations, asbestos fibers tend to create a dust composed of tiny particles that can float in the air and be inhaled by people nearby. In addition, because asbestos fibers are small and light, they can stay in the air for a long time.

Once asbestos fibers enter the body, they can become trapped in major organs such as the lungs. Decades later, the asbestos fibers can lead to the development of lung cancer. Frequently, by the time that asbestos-related lung cancer is diagnosed, treatment options are limited. Thus, it is important for people who have been in occupations that involve exposure to asbestos to get regularly tested for asbestos-related lung cancer. Some workers who are at risk of developing asbestos-related lung cancer are electricians, drywall tapers, boilermakers and sheet metal workers.

Asbestos-related lung cancer is the result of injustice. Many companies in the asbestos industry knew of the lethal risks of asbestos but did not disclose those dangers and did not provide safety equipment such as masks to prevent asbestos exposure. As a result, thousands of people die each year of asbestos-related lung cancer and other asbestos diseases.

The asbestos attorneys of Weitz & Luxenberg are among the leading asbestos lawyers in the U.S. The firm has won millions of dollars for thousands of people diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. For a free, online case review, complete the form on this page. We will be in contact with you shortly.