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Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the body's vital organs. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos is not something that is immediately evidenced by side effects. Instead, asbestos exposure's effects can lie dormant for as many as 20 to 50 years, only to reveal themselves as the symptoms of asbestos related disease begin to emerge. Because of the seriousness of asbestos related diseases like mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is not something of which to be ignorant. Here are activities to watch out for that could unwittingly cause exposure to asbestos.

Environment

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate material that can pose an environmental risk if you live near a place where it is mined. Mesothelioma was a cause of death for 50 percent of the individuals living around a mine in Cappadocia, Turkey. The people's proximity to the mine likely caused asbestos exposure though inhalation, food, and water supplies.

Occupational

Asbestos exposure was a serious risk to shipbuilders and miners before the extent of the hazard was fully understood. Additionally, asbestos was used in many industrial products including cement, brake linings, gaskets, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation, making exposure a concern in a wide variety of construction and industrial sectors. Unfortunately, the risk of exposure still exists today due to the negligence and poor record keeping of many employers who are unaware of the asbestos containing products in their midst.

Building Contamination

In the past, many homes, schools, municipal buildings, and other structures were constructed with shingles, flooring, insulation, or other textiles which contained asbestos. While the building itself might not pose a serious risk of asbestos exposure when in new condition, as the materials break down with age, the risk of asbestos exposure can increase to dangerous levels. It is important to be informed of the materials that make up your home to ensure the safety of your family.

Secondary Exposure

Studies have shown that family members of people who are directly exposed to asbestos through occupational or environmental factors also show an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can get trapped in clothing and brought home, only to be inhaled by family members.

With the danger that asbestos exposure holds, it is important to be vigilant and to be knowledgeable of the many associated risk factors. Exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, whose victims often don't experience symptoms until many years later. However, by the time the symptoms are felt, mesothelioma is likely in an advanced stage.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it was likely caused by exposure to asbestos. Further, if you live in New York State then it is critical to contact an experienced, competent New York asbestos lawyer. Gregg J. Borri is a New York mesothelioma attorney specializing in asbestos litigation. His law offices provide legal representation to victims of asbestos exposure (the principal cause of mesothelioma), namely those diagnosed with one of the three mesothelioma types ' pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial mesothelioma. The attorneys here are committed to forcefully and effectively advocating their clients' claims to legal compensation from the corporations that caused or contributed to their exposure to asbestos, allowing clients to focus on their medical treatment.