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There are many valid concerns about being exposed to the toxic substance known as asbestos. Since asbestos exposure is known to cause mesothelioma and other fatal diseases, most people want to avoid it at all costs. However, many people in South Carolina have been exposed to asbestos on at least one occasion.

Limited exposure to asbestos usually is not a cause for concern. Only a small percentage of people who encounter asbestos only once or twice will become sick as a result. Any risk of mesothelioma or other related diseases is a cause for concern.

Long-term exposure is more likely to cause illness. For example, men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States military are at a higher risk for asbestos exposure than the average South Carolina resident. Exposure risk also varies within the military, as veterans who are involved with construction, automotive repair and similar activities are more likely to encounter asbestos.

Even if a person does not work in an industry that uses asbestos, live in an older building or regularly visit places likely to have asbestos, he or she could still encounter asbestos. Living with someone who was exposed to asbestos makes it much more likely that roommates and family members will be indirectly exposed. Asbestos fibers easily travel on workers’ clothes, hair and skin.

Developing mesothelioma may feel very unfair to people who have done their best to avoid asbestos exposure. While this can be a normal reaction, victims may still be able to recover compensation for their pain, emotional trauma and financial damages. Even if exposure only occurred once or twice, a victim can pursue a legal claim against the entity that was the source of that exposure.