How Common Is Mesothelioma Cancer In Louisiana?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer nationwide and in Louisiana, but there is some evidence that the number of cases in our state is growing. According to one report, between 1980 and 2000, some 700 Louisianans died of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Each year in the United States, about 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed, mostly in older men who worked in industries where asbestos was commonly used decades ago.

Before regulations were tightened in the 1970s and 1980s, workers in a wide variety of industries and occupations commonly worked on job sites or in factories where asbestos fibers were routine airborne pollutants. By breathing these fibers in, or swallowing fibers that became lodged in the mouth, asbestos moved into the body, where it often ended up in small airways, capillary networks, and other areas where the body’s natural cleansing system couldn’t remove the toxic fibers.

Over time, asbestos fibers cause irritation in the cells around them, which can become mesothelioma cancer or other asbestos-related diseases. People who worked in industries where asbestos was used should keep in mind that the vast majority of those workers will never develop mesothelioma, but it’s still a good idea to make sure your doctor knows about your history of asbestos exposure and is informed about your risks for mesothelioma.

Should you become sick after workplace exposure to asbestos, keep in mind that you are not alone. Many of the companies whose practices sickened their workers have created trust funds you can access, and the Veterans Administration supplies additional benefits to vets whose exposure happened in the service.

Don’t let mesothelioma steal your quality of life or your family’s future. Call The Gertler Law Firm today at (504) 527-8767 for a free consultation and learn how you can have all the resources you need to fight mesothelioma cancer in Louisiana.