The rate of mesothelioma among firefighters is twice that of the general U.S. population, according to a study conducted by The National Fire Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine in October 2013, examined 30,000 firefighters from Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco between 1950 and 2009.
If you or a loved one sustained an asbestos injury such as mesothelioma and you want more information about your claim, contact Attorney Group today for more information about your legal rights.
Asbestos Injury Risk Higher in Firefighters
Data show that the firefighters had higher rates of several types of cancers, and of all types of cancer combined, than the entire U.S. population as a whole. These findings are consistent with the results of several smaller, previous studies. Because this particular study analyzed a larger population for a longer period of time, researchers feel confident that the results strengthen the scientific evidence for a positive correlation between cancer and firefighting.
Researchers found that firefighters are exposed to suspected and known carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde through the course of their work. As a result, firefighters often experience higher rates of urinary, digestive and respiratory cancers compared to the general U.S. population. However, scientists also found that the risk for mesothelioma among firefighters nearly doubled, and this conclusion had not been previously reported. Aside from being exposed to carcinogens, combustion by-products and contaminants from fighting fires, firefighters are at an increased risk of exposure to materials in debris like asbestos when older structures burn and crumble.
An Asbestos Attorney Can Help
Firefighters are not the only people who can develop mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos. If you are exposed to asbestos and you suffered from an asbestos injury such as mesothelioma, consider seeking legal counsel from an asbestos attorney. Depending on when and where you were exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your condition. Construction workers, electrical workers, shipyard workers, demolition and wrecking crews, custodians, railroad workers and other occupations may all be at an increased risk of developing cancer due to long-term asbestos exposure. An experienced asbestos attorney can help you to determine who may be responsible for your asbestos injury.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your situation and injury, you may be eligible to recover damages for pain and suffering, loss of income or lost wages and medical expenses such as any treatments, medications or procedures you might have needed as a result of your asbestos injury. The time to pursue a claim is often limited, however, so it’s important to seek legal counsel from an experienced asbestos attorney as soon as possible.
Suffering from an Asbestos Injury? Contact an Asbestos Attorney Today
If you or a loved one sustained an asbestos injury or you are currently suffering from side effects due to asbestos exposure, consider seeking legal counsel from an experienced asbestos attorney. At Attorney Group, we understand the consequences of long-term asbestos exposure, and we will help answer your questions and concerns regarding your asbestos injury. We will also connect you with an experienced asbestos attorney who will assist you in pursuing a claim and seeking the compensation to which you may be entitled for your condition.
