According to a recent article published by Steven Markowitz, M.D., Dr.PH, in Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2015; 36:334-346), an estimated 107,000 people die annually from lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and asbestosis due to occupational asbestos exposure. The cancer risk increases with cumulative asbestos exposure, with an increased risk of cancer even at low levels of exposure to asbestos. According to the article:
“The current consensus is that there is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos. Stated otherwise, no threshold has been demonstrated below which there is no identified risk of cancer related to asbestos.” (emphasis added).
Disclosure: SAMMONS & BERRY, P.C., is a law firm that represents workers and their families in Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and other Asbestos-Related Disease Cases ACROSS THE COUNTRY. Our lawyers, paralegals, and other professionals are experienced in evaluating, investigating, negotiating and trying these difficult cases.
I was employed by the cotton belt and southern Pacific railroad from 1971 through 1990.