What Are Some Asbestos Poisoning Symptoms?

Asbestos poisoning, also known as asbestos-related diseases, occurs when individuals inhale or ingest asbestos fibers, leading to serious health conditions. Asbestos was widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries due to its heat resistance and insulating properties. 

However, it has since been linked to various severe and often fatal health conditions. Symptoms of these conditions can include:

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially after physical activity, which worsens over time.
• Persistent Cough: A chronic, dry cough that does not go away.
• Chest Pain: Pain or tightness in the chest.
• Finger Clubbing: Enlargement and rounding of the fingertips and toes.
• Crackling Sound in Lungs: A crackling sound when breathing, heard through a stethoscope.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.

 Asbestos exposure can also cause types of cancers and other diseases. Those who have had prolonged exposure may suffer from asbestosis and mesothelioma. 

In fact, mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestos poisoning is a devastating condition that can lead to long-term health consequences. If you or someone you love has been exposed, contact Morgan & Morgan to learn more about your legal options. You may be owed compensation for your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and more. Don’t bear the burden of someone else’s mistake; get justice and call us now.

The skilled legal team at Morgan & Morgan has decades of experience representing the victims of asbestos poisoning. Complete the contact form on our website to arrange a free case evaluation regarding your asbestos-related claim.

What Are Some Asbestos-Related Diseases?

While Mesothelioma is the most commonly associated health condition linked to asbestos exposure, other conditions may arise, including:

Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung tissue scarring.

Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

Lung Cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the lungs, primarily due to asbestos exposure.

Pleural Plaques: Thickened patches on the lining of the lungs or diaphragm, indicative of asbestos exposure but not cancerous.

Pleural Effusion: An accumulation of fluid in the pleura (the lining around the lungs), which can be symptomatic of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions.

What Are Some Symptoms of Asbestosis?

Asbestosis develops after prolonged exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers, typically over many years. Symptoms may take decades to appear and include shortness of breath that worsens over time, persistent dry coughing, chest pain or tightness in the chest, enlargement and rounding of the fingertips and toes (clubbing), crackling sound in the lungs, and fatigue.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma Due to Asbestos Exposure?

Mesothelioma symptoms can vary based on the affected area but generally include:

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs):

• Chest Pain: Persistent pain around the ribcage.
• Pleural Effusion: Fluid buildup around the lungs.
• Persistent Cough: Chronic cough that may produce blood.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing due to fluid in the pleural space.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without dieting or exercise.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen):

• Abdominal Pain: Severe pain and swelling in the abdomen.
• Ascites: Fluid buildup in the abdomen.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea and vomiting.
• Bowel Obstruction: Difficulty with bowel movements.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (Heart):

• Chest Pain: Pain near the heart.
• Heart Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats.
• Pericardial Effusion: Fluid buildup around the heart.
• Breathing Difficulties: Shortness of breath due to fluid around the heart.

When Should I See a Doctor About Asbestos Exposure?

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of the above symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact the outcome and treatment of asbestos-related diseases. Inform your healthcare provider about your exposure history to ensure appropriate diagnostic tests and referrals to specialists if necessary.

After receiving medical treatment, be sure to contact Morgan & Morgan for more information about your legal options.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

For the first half of the 20th century, asbestos was used routinely in many different contexts. However, the dangers of asbestos were not initially understood. In the 1980s, it became apparent that those exposed to this material had increased health risks.

It is not safe to be exposed to any amount of asbestos. However, most severe health outcomes occur because of repeated or concentrated exposure.

The fibers from asbestos continue to accumulate inside the person's body each time they are exposed. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to reverse the damage that this material causes.

Small fibers from asbestos may also be transported on the clothing, skin, or hair of workers. This can cause secondhand asbestos exposure. 

What Are Common Industries Affected by Asbestos?

During the widespread use of asbestos, many workers and laborers were continuously exposed to this dangerous material.

Occupations that involved moving, breaking, or disposing of asbestos were particularly dangerous before current regulations existed. In fact, most people who experience asbestos poisoning are men who are 60 years of age or older.

Oftentimes, asbestos-related diseases are caused by repeated exposure to the material in the workplace. Some workers most at-risk for asbestos exposure include:

• Military service members
• Shipyard crew members
• Boat workers
• Power plant workers
• Firefighters
• Electricians
• Demolition workers
• Welders
• Plumbers
• Metalworkers
• Residential or commercial construction workers
• HVAC repair personnel
• Automobile manufacturing workers
• Warehouse crew members
• Custodians
• Automobile mechanics

Until the 1970s, asbestos was used routinely on U.S. Navy ships. As a result, many older veterans have an increased risk of developing asbestos poisoning.

Also, people who never worked directly with asbestos can still be affected. In some cases, spouses and children of those working near the material have experienced problems from secondhand contact.

If you believe that you were exposed to this dangerous material throughout your career, do not hesitate to contact Morgan & Morgan.

You may have the right to pursue financial recovery from the negligent parties responsible. You should not have to bear the emotional and financial costs of asbestos poisoning alone.

Morgan & Morgan Will Fight for You 

Asbestos poisoning cases are incredibly legally complex. If you have been affected by this dangerous material, reach out to America’s largest personal injury firm­­­—Morgan & Morgan.

Fill out the easy-to-use contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation. 

Since our founding in 1988, the team at Morgan & Morgan has secured more than a million successful verdicts and generous settlements. As a result of our track record of success, we have recovered over $20 billion in compensation for our clients, and we may be able to help with your case, too. Reach out today for more information.