Mesothelioma tends to take decades to develop. After being exposed to asbestos someone may not be diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease until more than 30 years later. But why is mesothelioma’s latency period so long? There are a variety of factors that contribute to mesothelioma’s latency period and the length that it takes for a victim to even develop symptoms. Not to mention, many times symptoms mimic those of other diseases and therefore, in many cases, mesothelioma is already diagnosed late to begin with. Common symptoms of mesothelioma are coughing and difficulty breathing as well as weight loss.
Mesothelioma’s Latency Period Related to Length of Exposure
It has been studied that mesothelioma’s latency period is directly related to the amount of asbestos exposure. For instance, if a person was exposed to only small amounts of asbestos then it may take them longer to develop mesothelioma than someone who was exposed to large amounts of asbestos. Most people who develop mesothelioma are older than 60 years old and usually are in their 70s.
Types of Asbestos
It is also thought that mesothelioma’s latency period could be dependent on the type of asbestos that someone was exposed to. There are six different types of asbestos fibers, which are either serpentine or amphibole. Serpentine asbestos fibers are both long and curly. The vast majority of the asbestos that is mined is this type of asbestos. Amphibole asbestos fibers are short and straight. Mesothelioma’s latency period may have to do with which type of these fibers are inhaled. The only serpentine asbestos is chrysotile, which is white in color and is thought to be the most dangerous. The other types of amphibole asbestos are tremolite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, amosite, and actinolite.
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Historically, chrysotile asbestos was used in roofing, textiles, cement, gaskets, clutches, asphalt, and brake lining and pads. Tremolite was used in materials such as paints, textiles, and insulation. Crocidolite was used in tiles, insulation, and cement. Anthophyllite was rarely used but was sometimes used in cement and insulation. Amosite was used as a protection against fire, and was used as different forms of insulation. Additionally, actinolite was used in drywall, sealants, paints, insulation, and mixed into cement.
It is important to note that all types of asbestos are dangerous and are carcinogens. That being the case, exposure to any of the six different forms of asbestos is highly hazardous and could lead to an asbestos-related condition such as mesothelioma. Other diseases that are caused by exposure to asbestos include lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaques.
Industries
Those who have worked around asbestos many years ago may soon be aware of the development of an asbestos-related disease after mesothelioma’s latency period runs its course. Industries that exposed employees to asbestos most frequently include construction, demolition, firefighting, shipbuilding, auto mechanic work, and the Navy. This is not an exhaustive list.
Second-Hand Exposure and Mesothelioma’s Latency Period
It is also possible to be exposed to asbestos second-hand, or through secondary exposure. For instance, someone may bring home asbestos fibers on their clothing and shoes, which is then inhaled by the other members of the household. Since this tends to be a lower level of exposure, mesothelioma’s latency period may be longer for those who were exposed to mesothelioma in this way rather than firsthand.
Type of Mesothelioma
The type of cancer itself contributes to mesothelioma’s latency period. The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, tends to take the longest to develop. Pleural mesothelioma begins in the lining of the lungs. The latency period for peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins in the abdominal cavity, has a shorter latency on average.
Some other factors that may determine mesothelioma’s latency period are the gender of the person who was exposed to asbestos and the age at which the person was exposed to asbestos.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, please call The Halpern Law Firm at 1 (800) 505-6000. We help mesothelioma victims in Pennsylvania get the compensation they deserve.
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Now that you know the mesothelioma statute of limitations in Pennsylvania, contact an experienced attorney from our firm to represent your case before time runs out.
At the Halpern Law Firm, we help clients throughout Pennsylvania, with offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Scranton and Johnstown. Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 505-6000.
Sources:
Journal Of Work, Environment & Health
