Exposure to Asbestos is the most common cause of Mesothelioma and around 80% of people diagnosed with the disease have reported being in contact with the material at a time in their life. Most exposure occurred before the material was banned and the greater the exposure the more at risk someone is, however some sufferers can’t even recall being exposed to the material.

Asbestos is an insulating material which is heat and fire resistant and was used widely in all industries from the 1940s until the 1990s. Those most at risk of contamination are people who have worked in the construction industry or near the exposed material at any time but even after construction the risk is still present.

It is not until up to 50 years after exposure that symptoms start to develop and this is often too late for many. Given the timescale of contamination doctors expect the cases to increase until around 2020 when they should start to see a fall.

There are very few early warning signs for Mesothelioma and they do resemble the symptoms of lesser illnesses but if you experience problems breathing, weight loss, bowel issues and heavy sweating it is worth consulting a doctor just to be safe.

If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and experience any of these symptoms it is very important that you seek medical help and also consider claiming compensation as many people are eligible for legal action without even knowing it. Many organisations specialise in helping people being exposed to asbestos in the past either willingly or unwillingly.

Want to find out more about Mesothelioma, then visit the ‘whats-my-claim-worth site for the best compensation for your needs.

Asbestos is the term used to describe several naturally occurring minerals. These minerals have various geological names but together are commonly referred to as asbestos-type minerals. One common characteristic is that they all can produce very minute fibers which easily break apart and are disbursed throughout the air. It is these fibers that are typically inhaled into a person’s lungs ultimately causing injury. A person’s body cannot in any way process these fibers, and thus they remain in a person’s body forever.

The oil field, both on land as well as off shore, began using asbestos products during the 1960’s and continued through the mid to late 1980’s. Asbestos products were used as additives in connection with the drilling mud used for offshore and on land drilling. Asbestos provided heat resistant properties as well as a cohesive property, or bonding agent, which was very beneficial when mixed with drilling mud. Several of these asbestos-related products were actually pure asbestos fibers which workers were required to mix directly into the drilling mud.

Individuals who have previously been exposed to asbestos should be aware of the following health problems which could be asbestos related. First, common lung cancer can be asbestos related in that past asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s likelihood of suffering lung cancer. This is true for smokers who have previously been exposed to asbestos. Even though these individuals may believe their lung cancer is related solely to their past smoking history, in fact asbestos exposure may have played a significant role in contributing to their lung cancer. The asbestos-specific cancer, mesothelioma, can occur in a person’s lungs, heart area, abdomen and testicles. Mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos. Finally, asbestosis is a condition of having actual asbestos fibers within a person’s lungs. This can be diagnosed with X rays and proper medical testing. These fibers can ultimately lead to pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs) as well as mesothelioma.

The good news for workers who were exposed to asbestos on offshore drilling rigs relates to the law which applies to any claim that they may file against their past employers. As a “vessel”, an offshore drilling rig falls under maritime law and a federal statute known as the Jones Act. Offshore workers who were previously exposed to asbestos can file claims directly against their past employers under the Jones Act and general maritime law. This provides a huge benefit to these injured workers since many manufacturers of asbestos products are now in bankruptcy, protected from further suits. Under the Jones Act and maritime law, an injured offshore worker has a significant chance of actually collecting damages against a still available and solvent defendant, i.e., his past employer.

Visit the asbestos information websitefor more information on your rights under maritime law. You can also learn about the use of asbestos on oil rigs and in drilling muds at the site.