Pleural Thickening
While asbestos is a known carcinogen that is barred from newly created products in the U.S., it can still be found in older homes throughout the Philadelphia area as well as in local manufacturing facilities. Breathing in asbestos fibers can result in thickening of the tissues surrounding the lungs, leading to serious respiratory ailments and an increased risk of lung cancer.
At Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., we help those who have been affected by asbestos-related diseases, such as pleural thickening. Our experienced asbestos attorneys understand how both recent and past exposure can impact your physical health, as well as you and your family’s financial security. If you are a victim of this type of illness, it is important to be aware of your rights to compensation.
Asbestos and Pleural Thickening
Diffuse pleural thickening (DPT) is a form of lung disease. It occurs when the pleura, the protective tissues surrounding the lungs and chest cavity, become thick and scarred. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that, depending on the amount of thickening, the victim’s lung capacity may be severely reduced, which can result in serious respiratory ailments that prove to be fatal.
Symptoms of pleural thickening include chest pain and shortness of breath, and while it is not a precursor to lung cancer, it may put sufferers at increased risk. The condition is generally caused by exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen. Used extensively in older homes and in certain types of manufacturer, asbestos fibers in the air may be breathed in or swallowed, and can transfer on a person’s skin, hair, and clothes.
Asbestos Exposure
According the National Cancer Institute (NCI), millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos since the 1940s when it became commonly used, while the threats it posed were not uncovered until thirty years later. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has since banned all new uses of asbestos, but products and materials developed before the ban are still allowed. Those most at risk of coming into contact with asbestos include:
- Construction and demolition workers;
- Shipyard workers;
- Airplane and auto mechanics;
- Electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, and welders;
- HVAC mechanics and insulation removal workers;
- Painters, bricklayers, and cement plant employees.
Asbestos-related illnesses, such as pleural thickening, can take as long as 40 years after exposure to develop. As many of the original manufacturers have since closed, this can make it difficult for workers to get compensation for their illnesses. Fortunately, the EPA has established trust funds with money provided by these companies and corporations, which can help reimburse workers for losses they suffered.
Contact Us for Professional Help with Your Case
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pleural thickening or other asbestos related disorders contact Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. today. Our team of attorneys can advise you on how to get the compensation you deserve for the losses you and your family have suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
