What is asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can only be recognized with a microscope. Asbestos is generally used in acoustical insulation, fireproofing, roofing and flooring. Many cases of asbestos contamination have been files in Texas.

If you believe that you have been exposed to any amount of loose asbestos, you need to see your doctor right away. This must be done no matter how long ago you were exposed to asbestos. You should not smoke, as smoking increases your odds of being adversely affected by asbestos.

Items that contain asbestos

It is estimated that over 3,000 different types of commercial products contain asbestos. Several older plastics, paper products, brake linings, floor tiles, and textile products contain asbestos. Additionally, heavy industrial products, such as sealants, cement pipes, cement sheets, and insulation contain Asbestos.

How long has asbestos been in use?

Starting in the 1940's, asbestos became the mineral of choice in many industries due to strong and flexible products made from Asbestos, these products will not burn, and are poor conductors of electricity. In the 30 years following World War II, asbestos and materials created from asbestos were commonly used to renovate schools and other public structures.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that nationwide nearly 107,000 primary and secondary schools and 733,000 public and commercial buildings were built or refurbished with materials containing asbestos.

How are people exposed to asbestos in the workplace?

Most often, exposure to asbestos happens at work. Jobs that are often connected with asbestos exposure include:

How many Americans have been exposed to asbestos?

It is estimated that between 1940 and 1980, over 27 million Americans have had a significant occupational contact to asbestos.

What procedures are used to detect asbestos-related diseases?

The best way to detect asbestos-related diseases is by chest x-ray. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, early screening by chest x-ray is beneficial in diagnosing any problems associated with exposure to asbestos.

What are the symptoms of asbestos exposure?

The symptoms of exposure to asbestos are:

How can an asbestos-related disease be diagnosed?

The tests that are commonly used to diagnose asbestos associated diseases include:

What are the procedures to treat the disease?

Presently, there is no cure available for asbestos associated diseases like mesothelioma. However, the symptoms can be treated by methods including the use of respiratory treatments to eliminate secretions from the lungs, chest percussion and vibration. Occasionally, aerosol medications are administered to thin secretions from the lungs. Often times, oxygen treatment may also be needed. The oxygen is administered through a mask or nose piece connected to an oxygen tank.

Jim S. Adler & Associates - What is mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which cancer cells are located in the chest lining (the pleura) or abdomen (the peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is the most critical of all asbestos-related diseases. Virtually all cases of malignant mesothelioma are attributable to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can spread into the chest wall, center of the chest and heart. In some cases it continues through to the diaphragm and into lymph nodes.

Jim S. Adler & Associates   - What is lung cancer?

Everyone knows that both asbestos and smoking cause lung cancer. It has been established that a history of cigarette smoking, in combination with occupational exposure to asbestos, places a worker at a higher risk for developing lung cancer than if only one cause was present. The most common asbestos-related cancers are found in current or ex-smokers who have been exposed to asbestos.

Jim S. Adler & Associates - What is asbestosis?

Asbestosis is the scarring of the tissue of the lung created by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestosis can be mild or severe.

Jim S. Adler & Associates - How can I protect my rights?

In a case concerning asbestos exposure, it is easy to lose your rights in proceeding against the asbestos companies. Every state has a deadline, called the Statute of Limitations, which establishes a time deadline after which a person with an asbestos-related disease cannot file a lawsuit. To protect your rights, a suit needs to be timely filed within the strict guidelines for filing lawsuits. This must take place after you become aware that you have an asbestos-related disease or after a loved one dies from such.

If you, or a loved one, has suffered from a disease that could have been caused by exposure to asbestos, please fill out our contact form so one of the professional attorneys can review the information and advise you appropriately.

Jim S. Adler & Associates has still more offices at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887;  San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237; and Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas).