Reports continue to come out regarding the rise of mesothelioma cases treated throughout the state of Louisiana. Over the past several years, the news out of Louisiana has not been good regarding this disease, as the risk of mesothelioma and other diseases related to asbestos exposure is higher than it is in other states. This has been a problem for some time. Between 1980 and 2000, there were at least 700 deaths recorded with a relation to asbestos in the state. The numbers continue to grow, and that is alarming for those who suffer from the problem as well as those who are in the healthcare field and see the problem continue to rise.
Why Is This Problem Getting Worse?
According to studies on asbestos related diseases conducted by researchers from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, one of the reasons there are so many more cases in the state is simply because there are more facilities that use or produce asbestos in Louisiana than there are in any other state. Cases are starting to crop up involving patients exposed to the asbestos years ago, and even though there are stricter standards in place today to help keep people safe, there is still a danger.
Because of the amount of time it takes from exposure to the development of mesothelioma – decades in many cases – it means that there could actually be quite a few more cases to hit Louisiana’s hospitals in the coming years.
What Industries Might Be to Blame?
A very large portion of Louisiana is on the water, and these important waterways caused a thriving maritime industry to rise. From oil drilling and refineries to shipbuilding, and even power generation plants, a large number of the major types of employment in the state dealt with asbestos either directly or indirectly in some capacity. Because asbestos was so common in ships thanks to being fire resistant, workers at shipyards, as well as veterans of the Navy have a higher than normal risk for developing the disease.
Cases tend to develop for a variety of reasons. Many times, exposure to the asbestos occurred before people really knew just how dangerous it was. As we learned more about the dangers and started to take precautions, cases still occurred. These were often because of accidental or unintentional exposure. Still, other times, there are cases of sheer negligence on the part of the employer.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma does not often receive a diagnosis until it is too late. It is important for those who have had exposure to asbestos in the past to understand the signs and symptoms associated with this deadly disease. Many times, people live with these symptoms for months before receiving their diagnosis. If you feel that these symptoms apply to you, then it might be a good idea to speak with a physician right away.
Signs and symptoms include pain in the lower back, or at the side of the chest walls, shortness of breath, coughing, fever, fatigue, profuse sweating, unwanted weight loss, swelling in face and arms, trouble swallowing, nausea, and vomiting.
While these symptoms may have another cause other than mesothelioma, it is always important to set up an appointment with a doctor to get the healthcare you need.
In addition, if you or a loved one has discovered that you have been exposed to asbestos, and you have mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease, contact the experienced team of mesothelioma lawyers at Landry & Swarr. You need to have someone with experience and compassion on your side to make sure you receive the help and the damages you deserve.
Resource: http://survivingmesothelioma.com/asbestosis-and-mesothelioma-rates-remain-high-in-louisiana/