The dangers of asbestos are well-documented. This natural fiber was once used for a host of products and in many industries because of the fire-retardant and insulating properties. Once the dangers were discovered, asbestos abatement became a priority. Unfortunately, the disposal of the asbestos wasn’t always handled in a completely safe manner.
A recent incident in Denver, vandals damaged a park’s landscaping. What they probably didn’t know is that at one point, the site was a landfill. At the time that it was a dump, asbestos wasn’t disposed of in the safer manner it is today. These vandals may have unknowingly exposed themselves to asbestos when they did the damage to the property because there’s a chance that some of the fibers were in the soil.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos fibers, once inhaled, can become lodged within the lining of the lungs. This can lead to mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer. Some individuals who were exposed to asbestos won’t have symptoms for decades. But, once the symptoms are present, the cancer is likely to spread quickly.
Anyone who was ever exposed to asbestos during their lifetime will need to pay close attention for signs that they’re suffering from mesothelioma, asbestosis or another asbestos-related condition. The worrisome symptoms include chest pain, uncontrollable coughing and trouble breathing.
A person diagnosed with any condition related to asbestos should consult an attorney to learn about compensation options. Living with these conditions can be costly. Compensation could help to ensure that your loved ones don’t have to deal with the financial difficulties that can come with this diagnosis.