According to a report from the Environmental Working Group Action Fund, over 14,000 people in Pennsylvania died from asbestos-related diseases in the period from 1999-2013, which is 50 to 100 percent above the national average. Pennsylvania ranks among the six highest states for asbestos-related deaths in the United States which include Montana, Maine, West Virginia, Virginia and Delaware. According to the report, Allegheny County, the largest industrial area in the state, has the highest rate of asbestos-related disease in the region and accounted for the most deaths in the state with more than 100 asbestos-related deaths reported each year. Twenty-eight other counties in Pennsylvania reported deaths from asbestosis, mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases at a rate up to 13 times the national average.
The public health organization known as the Environmental Working Group states that various Pennsylvania industries have contributed a great deal to the high number of deaths from asbestos-related diseases. Industries at risk such as ship building, construction and building trades, and the steel industry used asbestos and asbestos-containing products such as insulation, flame retardant building materials and in cement products.
Asbestos exposure has a latency period from 20 to 60 years before mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis or other respiratory illnesses emerge. There is no cure for these types of diseases, and because of the long dormancy period, most victims succumb to the illness within 12-18 months post diagnosis. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified asbestos as a hazardous air pollutant. Even though more than 50 countries around the world have banned the use of asbestos, the United States continues to import the substance and use it in certain materials, such as brake pads, roofing shingles and construction materials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 10,000 people die each year in the United States from asbestos-related disease, but a new report from the Environmental Working Group estimates that figure to be close to 15,000 people. Plumbers, pipe fitters, steam fitters, electricians, construction workers, auto mechanics and many other trades are professions still at risk for these terminal illnesses because of their continued exposure to asbestos-containing products. Though some claim that the amount of asbestos contained in these products is small, no amount of exposure to asbestos regardless of how small has been deemed safe for use.
Philadelphia Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Firm Fight for Justice for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are highly preventable by eliminating workers’ exposure to the toxic fibers. Unfortunately, the long latency period and the continued use of asbestos containing products in the United States guarantee thousands more will die from mesothelioma, asbestosis and other lung cancers. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with one of these diseases, our team of Philadelphia asbestos lawyers can help you claim justice and compensation.
Call the Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law at 1-877-SHIENLAW (1-877-743-4652), or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation today. Our offices are conveniently located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey allowing us to serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.