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Even though the Environmental Protection Agency has banned most uses of asbestos, it can still be found in both new and old materials, products and more. Since it is no secret that asbestos is a dangerous and carcinogenic substance, industries that still use it should exercise extreme caution to prevent possible exposure. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be the case. Annually, asbestos exposure kills tens of thousands of people in America.

Scientists as far back as 1906 began questioning the safety of the mineral asbestos. By 1930, researchers had evidence that a significant portion of the American workforce was suffering from an asbestos-related disease. This information did not do much to change the habits of U.S. companies and manufacturers. In fact, the United States was one of the biggest consumers of asbestos all the way through the late 1980s. Today’s consumers in South Carolina are not much safer either, as asbestos often shows up in automotive parts, toys, cosmetics, construction materials and other consumer products.

It may come as no surprise to learn that approximately 40,000 Americans die from asbestos diseases each and every year. Mesothelioma is one of the most well-known cancers that asbestos causes, but it is not the only one. South Carolina residents who are exposed to asbestos can also develop lung cancer and asbestosis.

The average consumer might do everything in his or her power to avoid asbestos, including avoiding products known to contain the substance as well as researching products that are likely to be contaminated. While these are good steps to take, asbestos exposure can take place virtually anywhere, meaning that avoiding it is impossible for most people. This does not mean that a victim who is fighting mesothelioma has to deal with the aftermath by him or herself. Successfully pursuing a claim against the source of the exposure can provide victims with the help they need to cover medical bills, deal with physical damages, emotional trauma and more.