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Health Risks Posed by Asbestos

October 2, 2014 By

Many people, when they hear of asbestos, think that the only disease it causes is the lung disease asbestosis or mesothelioma, the highly dangerous cancer which affects the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities.

In actual fact, asbestos can lead to a variety of other diseases, one of which is asbestos warts which are growths on the skin which are somewhat like calluses, caused by the sharp fibers when they lodge in the skin. These calluses are benign, in the same way as what are known as pleural plaques, which are thickened areas of the lung, visible on X rays, which are caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Pleural plaques will not normally cause any lung impairment nor lead to mesothelioma.

Finally there is diffuse pleural thickening which is similar to pleural plaques but can cover a wider area and is sometimes associated with asbestosis. Usually there are few or no symptoms but if it is extensive then it can cause lung impairment.

If you have been diagnosed with asbestos a related disease, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: Asbestos Mesothelioma, California abestos, California asbestosis

Post Earthquake Checks

August 31, 2014 By

On August 24th, the strongest earthquake to hit Northern California in 25 years caused widespread damage to properties and injured dozens of people.  The earthquake had a 6.0 magnitude and occurred a few miles southwest of Napa. It knocked out power for thousands, caused gas leaks and a number of fires.

However, people need to be aware of potential hazards they may encounter before they reenter their homes and businesses and begin to cleanup and carry out repairs.

Firstly they should check all of the utilities. Not only for gas leaks, but electrical system damage and any leaks in the sewage or water lines in the property. It is important to check sewage as well as if the pipes are ruptured they could contain bacteria, viruses and mold as well as chemical contaminants.

In addition, an earthquake may also release large amounts of dust and it could contain asbestos and lead in older properties. You should never enter an older building where there is lots of dust after an earthquake without having it checked for asbestos as even a small amount of fibers in the air can cause fatal cancer later in life.

If you have been diagnosed with asbestos a related disease, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: California abestos, California asbestosis

What is Asbestosis?

June 22, 2014 By

Asbestosis is a respiratory disease which results from asbestos exposure. Like other asbestos related diseases, asbestosis is caused by the irritation asbestos fibers produce and lung tissue, and the lungs’ attempts to repair themselves which leads to inflammation.

The severity of a patient’s asbestosis illness is directly correlated to the duration of their asbestos exposure – meaning how many months or years they were exposed to the substance, and the amount of fibers that was inhaled during such exposure.

Mild asbestosis may produce relatively few symptoms in the patient, while severe cases can be extremely debilitating or even deadly. Symptoms of asbestosis include increasing shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pains.

Asbestosis can reach result in such conditions as lung calcification, fluid on the lungs, and even the development of mesothelioma. Currently there is no cure for asbestosis.

The following video will give you more information regarding what is asbestosis.

If you have been diagnosed with asbestos related disease, or if a loved one has died from an asbestos related illness, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

Filed Under: California asbestosis