In a 37-year-long project, researchers at a Hong Kong university found asbestos exposure more than tripled likelihood of developing deadly respiratory illnesses, says New York personal injury lawyer Joseph W. Belluck of Belluck & Fox, LLP.
New York,NY (PRWEB) October 07, 2011
A newly released medical study underscores how asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk that workers will develop fatal lung cancers and other respiratory diseases, New York mesothelioma attorney Joseph W. Belluck said today.
For 37 years, medical researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong tracked the health of 577 workers who were exposed to chrysotile asbestos, along with a control group of 435 workers who were not exposed to asbestos.
In their report published this month in Thorax, An International Journal of Respiratory Medicine, the researchers reported that workers exposed to asbestos suffered lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses at a rate greater than three times that of the control group.
?This study is another in a long line of solid medical research that has shown that exposure to asbestos dramatically increases the odds that someone will develop catastrophic diseases such as mesothelioma,? said Belluck, who handles asbestosis exposure claims at the New York City mesothelioma law firm of Belluck & Fox.
Belluck pointed out that the length of the study ? nearly four decades ? was a critical factor because asbestos-related cancers and other asbestos-related respiratory diseases often take 20-50 years to manifest themselves.
The researchers reported that the study?s findings supported a strong link between asbestos exposure and life-threatening respiratory diseases in both smokers and non-smokers. The study factored in such issues as smoking, age and the level of asbestos exposure. The results nevertheless showed a clear link between the exposure and lung cancer.
The subject of the study, chrysotile asbestos ? also called ?white asbestos? ? is by far the most common type of asbestos found in buildings and manufactured items in the United States and around the world.
Although asbestos has not been widely used in this country for years, a vast amount of the substance is still present in older structures. The small fibers can become airborne during demolition and renovations projects, allowing workers to inhale the toxic material if they are not properly protected.
Belluck said that numerous workers in many different trades were exposed to asbestos years ago, and they might just now be developing signs of asbestos-related cancers including mesothelioma. Their families could also be at risk if the workers carried the fibers home on their clothing and bodies.
People who know they were exposed to asbestos should watch out for symptoms, including:
- ????A persistent cough, which could be dry or could include mucous or blood;
- ????Labored breathing;
- ????Difficulty swallowing;
- ????Fatigue;
- ????Unexpected weight loss;
- ????Excessive perspiration; and
- ????Pain while breathing or pain the chest or ribs.
Because mesothelioma is an aggressive disease, Belluck said it is critical that people who are experiencing symptoms seek medical advice as soon as possible.
In addition, people who have suffered asbestos-related diseases should contact a qualified asbestos exposure lawyer like the ones at the New York law firm of Belluck & Fox to find out more about the legal rights they might have to recover compensation from the companies responsible for their exposure to the deadly asbestos fibers.
?Asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma have a devastating effect on their victims,? Belluck said. ?It?s important that they seek the best medical treatment for their illnesses, as well as the best legal counsel to ensure that they can recover all of the benefits they are entitled to in a New York asbestos exposure lawsuit.?
About Belluck & Fox
Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won over $400 million in compensation for clients and their families.
Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine?s ?Best Lawyers in the New York Area? and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for more than $12 million.
Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine?s ?Best Lawyers in the New York Area? and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal?s Largest Verdict of the Year. He recently secured verdicts of $32 million and more than $19 million on behalf of individuals who had contracted mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
In September, Belluck & Fox, LLP, won a coveted spot on a list of America?s best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.
For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.
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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebny-mesothelioma-lawyer/work-asbestos-exposure/prweb8849724.htm
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