September 26^th was National Mesothelioma Awareness Day, and one of the key points to be emphasized is that this is not “your grandpa’s disease.” Mesothelioma risk remains a concern as asbestos exposure — particularly in the workplace — continues.

Some 3,200 “new” cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year, but because of the latency period symptoms and diagnoses typically do not surface until 15 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. This often creates a misperception that the disease only affects senior citizens. The fact is that many of today’s mesothelioma patients were exposed when they were in their prime, active working years — unknowingly laboring in contaminated environments that would eventually threaten their lives.

The dangers of asbestos exposure existed in many types of work locations, such as:

• In an auto repair shop when cleaning brake dust and handling gaskets, clutches and other materials that could contain asbestos.
• Shipyards and power plants were very common areas for asbestos exposure from a large variety of product types.
• Construction workers and builders routinely handled asbestos-containing materials such as wallboard, pipes, floor tiles or contaminated vermiculite insulation.

These are just a few of the examples of types of asbestos exposure that can put you at risk for mesothelioma down the road.

As Pennsylvania asbestos injury attorneys, we know that mesothelioma remains a real concern for today’s workers. The difference is, today we have the information your grandparents didn’t have both to protect ourselves and to take action against those who expose us to dangerous conditions. If you want to know more, call us.