Even though the use of asbestos is highly regulated, it is not banned in the United States. It is currently legal to use asbestos in products as long as the amount used is less than 1%.
Before the laws came into effect in the 1970s regulating asbestos, many workers were exposed to asbestos. Since it can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for asbestos-related symptoms to show up, most mesothelioma cases diagnosed today were caused by exposure to asbestos before the 1970s regulations came into effect.
Because it takes so many years for the symptoms to show up, and given that the use of asbestos is still legal and occurring in the workplace, it is important to know what some of the signs of mesothelioma are.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma.
Initial symptoms of mesothelioma include chest or abdominal pain, bloating, and shortness of breath, depending on the location of the cancer. Many times mesothelioma symptoms are mistaken for a cold or the flu.
Mesothelioma tumors begin as tiny nodules on the lining of the lungs or abdomen. The cancer doesn’t cause symptoms until the tumors have grown and spread. It is nearly impossible to recognize the symptoms of mesothelioma early in the cancer’s development because the disease doesn’t produce early symptoms to identify.
At the point where cancer starts to develop, some of the most common symptoms are:
- Dry cough or wheezing
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Respiratory complications
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Fever or night sweats
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness.
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos at work, don’t wait for symptoms to show up. Inform your primary care doctor immediately and get cancer screenings regularly. You could detect mesothelioma earlier than usual.
Mesothelioma Attorneys in Baton Rouge.
At the Day Law Group, we handle personal injury including mesothelioma cases. Our passion is helping people who have been wrongfully injured get the compensation they deserve. We offer FREE consultations and we don’t get paid unless you win your case. We have offices in Baton Rouge, and we serve all of Southern Louisiana. Call (225) 465-1232 ToDay to schedule your free consultation or contact us here.