Uncovering the Misconceptions About Mesothelioma
Before the 1950s, mesothelioma was considered a rare type of cancer, with its rise in cases being fairly recent. Mesothelioma cases grew in the 20th century when asbestos became the choice insulator for its fire and heat-resistant properties from the early 1900s until the 1970s. It was only then that the knowledge of the harm it can cause became widely known to the general public. Mesothelioma can take 10-50 years to develop after exposure, which is why we are now seeing a jump in cases in the past few decades.
Mesothelioma is still being studied, and because of that, there are a lot of misconceptions and myths floating around about it. We want to clear up these common misconceptions and provide you with the truth so that you can be well-informed with the most accurate information about mesothelioma.
Myth 1: Cases Are Declining
Mesothelioma Cases Are Declining Now That Asbestos Use is Regulated
Most uses of asbestos were banned in the mid-1970s, but it is still used in some products, particularly in the chemical industry. Asbestos-containing materials from older buildings, factories, railways, ships, etc., still exist, posing a risk of mesothelioma. Michigan, being a highly industrialized state, has a disproportionately high number of mesothelioma cases in the US. Approximately 20 million people in the US are estimated to be at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Myth 2: Only Elderly Men Get Mesothelioma
Only Men Over 65 Are Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
Nearly 80% of mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in men in their late 60s to 70s, but anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk. Asbestos was prevalent in many trades throughout the 20th century. Men who are now in their 60s and 70s make up a majority of cases because it was largely men of this generation who worked in environments (trades, military, etc.) when asbestos was prevalent during the 20th century. They had the highest level of exposure, and their families were at risk for secondary exposure. Serling & Abramson, P.C. have had several clients who developed mesothelioma in their 30s due to childhood exposures to asbestos.
Myth 3: Smoking Causes Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Can Be Caused By Smoking
Virtually all medical experts agree that cigarette smoking has no known scientific connection to the development of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. While mesothelioma is not caused by cigarette smoking, smoking may reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatment and can increase the risk of heart and lung complications. However, during the years 1952-1956, Lorillard Tobacco Company manufactured and sold the “Kent Micronite” cigarettes that contained crocidolite asbestos fibers in the filters. The asbestos in those filters led to the development of mesothelioma in individuals who smoked these cigarettes. Serling & Abramson, P.C. has represented clients who were diagnosed with mesothelioma after smoking “Kent Micronite” cigarettes.
Myth 4: Mesothelioma is Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is the same diagnosis as lung cancer
Pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lungs) closely resembles lung cancer, but it is not lung cancer. Mesothelioma forms in the pleura, a protective membrane between your lungs and your chest wall. While it can spread to the lungs, it doesn't form there, differentiating it from lung cancer.
Myth 5: Mesothelioma is Genetic
Mesothelioma is Contagious or Hereditary
Mesothelioma cannot be transmitted from person to person and is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is not contagious or hereditary. Secondary exposure can occur if someone lives with a person who brings home asbestos fibers on their clothing or personal items. Serling & Abramson, P.C. has represented individuals who developed mesothelioma due to exposure from family members' work clothes.
Myth 6: Mesothelioma is a Lung Disease
Mesothelioma Only Affects the Lungs
While the most common type of mesothelioma (pleural mesothelioma) affects the lungs, other types of mesothelioma don't originate near the lungs. Your abdomen, heart, and testicles are other organs that can develop mesothelioma.
Myth 7: Only Asbestos Workers Risk Mesothelioma
Only People Who Work Directly with Asbestos Are at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma
While occupational asbestos exposure is the most common way to develop mesothelioma, it is not the only way. For example, you could be exposed if you live near an asbestos mine, asbestos processing plant, or a site that releases a lot of asbestos into the air. During the 9/11 disaster, for example, there were many tons of asbestos released when the towers collapsed.
Many of our clients who did not work directly with asbestos were exposed when co-workers handled asbestos in their vicinity.
As mentioned previously, if you lived with someone who worked with asbestos, they may have brought the asbestos fibers home on their clothing, personal effects, in their cars, on their shoes, hair, and skin, and you could have been exposed. These exposures are known as secondary or household exposures to asbestos.
Finally, if you've used certain beauty, cosmetic, or household products that contain or contain asbestos, such as talcum powder, you could also be at risk of developing mesothelioma or ovarian cancer.
Myth 8: Greater Asbestos Exposure Increases Risk
The Larger the Amount of Asbestos to Which a Person Is Exposed, The More Likely They Are to Develop Mesothelioma
The quantity of asbestos to which a person is exposed has no proven relationship with the risk of developing mesothelioma. Serling & Abramson, P.C. has represented victims of mesothelioma who have had very minimal exposure over a short period. Even washing clothing that has asbestos fibers on it poses a risk. The main variable is whether asbestos fibers entered the body and became lodged in the lining of the lungs (the mesothelium).
Myth 9: Asbestos is Banned
Asbestos is Banned Throughout the United States
Unfortunately, this is not true. While many elected officials and activist groups have tried to get asbestos banned, there are only regulations for its use. Michigan has not yet enacted legislation about an asbestos ban. In 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule to ensure that discontinued asbestos products cannot be reintroduced into commerce without the EPA evaluating them and putting in place any necessary restrictions or prohibiting use. However, there is still no national asbestos ban. This has been updated as of 3/18/2024 - Asbestos Ban in the United States.
Myth 10: Asbestos Sellers Were Unaware of its Risks
Companies That Sold Asbestos Did Not Know of its Dangers
Many companies knew of the dangers of asbestos (and still deny the fact that they knew) and continued to sell it. Some even hid information relating to the dangers of asbestos, putting millions of lives at risk, so that they could continue to profit for decades. Evidence collected by Serling & Abramson, P.C. has shown corporate knowledge of the hazards of exposure to asbestos dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
Throughout the early-mid 20th century, evidence has revealed that multiple companies contributed to covering up the dangers of asbestos exposure. In 1929, industry leaders concealed the results of a medical study by Dr. Anthony Lanza, that revealed high rates of asbestos-related diseases in people exposed to asbestos. The scheme continued in 1932 when Raybestos-Manhattan and Johns Manville (two of the largest asbestos manufacturing and distribution companies) manipulated a study of asbestos textile workers to downplay the seriousness of asbestos-related diseases.
Senior executives of these companies intentionally concealed information about the harm to workers from asbestos. They edited or downplayed references to asbestos-related diseases and their link to the industry. In 1935, the president of Raybestos-Manhattan wrote a letter stating that less should be said about asbestos. Later, a medical director advised not to inform sick workers about their asbestos-related illnesses. Internal documents contradict the industry's claim of ignorance about asbestos risks before 1964.
This behavior was not unique to just Johns Manville and Raybestos-Manhattan; many other asbestos companies contributed to the industry cover-up.
Myth 11: Asbestos Lawsuits are Expensive
Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Lawsuits Are Expensive for Victims and Their Families
Victims of asbestos-related diseases will not need to pay upfront costs to receive representation. Serling & Abramson, P.C. handles mesothelioma and lung cancer cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our law firm only receives a percentage of what we collect for our clients. If there is no compensation recovered, then our firm does not receive any fee.
Myth 12: Masks Protect From Asbestos Exposure
If A Person Wears a Mask Around Asbestos, That Person is Safe From Developing an Asbestos-Related Disease Such As Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer
Very few employers ever provided face masks. Those that they did provide were commonly made of paper – incapable of filtering out dangerous asbestos fibers. Individuals who wore these masks often still developed asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Addressing Other Misconceptions About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Is Not a Quick Onset Disease
One of the biggest misconceptions about mesothelioma is the latency period. Mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to develop after initial asbestos exposure. This long latency period often
leads to late diagnosis, which can complicate treatment.
Asbestos Exposure Can Be Indirect
Many believe that only direct exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. However, secondhand exposure is also a significant risk. Family members of asbestos workers can be exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on clothing, leading to secondary exposure. Additionally, individuals living near asbestos mines or asbestos processing plants can be exposed to airborne asbestos fibers.
Mesothelioma Is Not Limited to the Lungs
While pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lungs) is the most common form, mesothelioma can also occur in other parts of the body. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal cavity, and there are even rare cases of mesothelioma affecting the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) and testicles.
Legal Support and Compensation
The Role of Law Firms in Mesothelioma Cases
Navigating the legal landscape of mesothelioma lawsuits can be challenging. It is crucial to engage a law firm experienced in handling asbestos-related cases. Legal action can provide victims and their families with financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
Understanding Asbestos Trust Funds
Many companies that produced asbestos products have established asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. These trust funds are critical resources for those affected by asbestos-related diseases. Victims can file a trust fund claim to receive compensation for their suffering and medical expenses.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma can significantly improve the quality of life and life expectancy of patients. It is essential to seek medical attention if you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain. Mesothelioma doctors and specialists can provide accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans.
Final Thoughts
Mesothelioma is a severe and often misunderstood disease. By debunking these common myths, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of the risks associated with asbestos exposure and the importance of seeking medical and legal support. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial to act swiftly to secure the necessary care and compensation.