The Environmental Protection Agency partially banned asbestos in 1989. Some products that contained asbestos were partially banned, and actions were made to prevent new uses of asbestos products in August of 1989. However, asbestos is still a concern today. We meet with clients frequently who have been harmed by asbestos poisoning. Please keep reading to learn more about the causes and symptoms of asbestos exposure.

Our Niagara Falls mesothelioma lawyers would be honored to represent you if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. We can even come to your home to make this an easier process.

Five Symptoms of Asbestos Poisoning

Asbestos is a hazardous mineral when it becomes airborne. If you have any of the following symptoms, we urge you to reach out to a doctor for screening right away.

#1 Trouble Breathing

Shortness of breath may be present in patients who have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can cause damage to your lungs. When lungs have scar tissue from asbestos fibers, you can experience trouble breathing, which may be your first symptom of an asbestos-related condition.

#2 Clubbed Fingertips

One of the most prominent tell-tale signs of asbestos poisoning is clubbed fingertips, which are seen in many cases of asbestosis. Your fingertips may appear swollen, rounder, and wider if you have an asbestos-related illness.

#3 Fatigue

Fatigue is present in many medical conditions, including asbestos-related conditions. Suppose you have fatigue in conjunction with any of these other symptoms. In that case, we strongly urge you to contact your doctor to tell them you would like to be screened for asbestos-related conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer.

#4 Wheezing

Wheezing can be a symptom of several lung conditions, including COPD and asthma, as well as asbestos poisoning. Wheezing is present in those who have inflammation of their lungs. Asbestos can cause your lungs to inflame.

#5 Dry & Persistent Cough

A dry and persistent cough may indicate lung damage from inhaling asbestos fibers. You may not develop symptoms until decades after asbestos poisoning. A cough that does not ease with home care should be checked out by a doctor immediately.

Causes of Asbestos Poisoning

Even if you were exposed to asbestos decades ago, you could develop an asbestos-related disease. Keep reading to learn who is at a higher risk of asbestos poisoning.

Exposure to Asbestos

No amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe. Once broken down and airborne, the mineral fibers are microscopic and indestructible. Theoretically, asbestos is harmless when left alone. However, asbestos has been used for a lot of building projects.

Anyone who handled asbestos-containing products such as insulation, tiles, paneling, shingles, cement, etc., was likely exposed to asbestos in massive amounts.

Workers at Risk of Asbestos-Related Disease

Although asbestos use is virtually not used anymore, anyone who worked specific jobs before asbestos was locked down or those who work with old structures today are at risk of asbestos poisoning.

Trade workers, veterans (naval veterans especially), and blue-collar employees are most at risk of having asbestos-related diseases.

The types of positions who worked and continue to work with asbestos-containing materials include plumbers, roofers, navy machinists, mechanics, electricians, and more.

Search our asbestos job site directory to see if your workplace is listed.

Free Consultation with Our Niagara Falls Mesothelioma Lawyers

Our attorneys at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford LLC are dedicated to helping injured victims across New York. We work tirelessly to help our clients get justice after they have suffered from asbestos poisoning.

If you have received a diagnosis of asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer, please give us a call right away to schedule your free consultation. We want this process to be smooth and easy for you, so we are willing to come to your home to help you get started with your case.