Even though there are some individuals and organizations working on mesothelioma prevention, the reality is that this disease is going to be with us for many decades to come. A recent study found that the number of mesothelioma cases is actually on the rise and it will continue to rise until about 2020. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. They estimate that over 20 million people in the U.S. are at risk for developing mesothelioma.

Because it usually takes 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma symptoms to develop, most people who are diagnosed today were exposed sometime between 1960 and the 1990’s. If we got rid of all of the asbestos that people could be exposed to right now, we would still see new cases of mesothelioma into the 2060’s.

Asbestos is still in use today. Some legislators and others are involved in an ongoing effort to ban and phase out asbestos use in the U.S. Most Americans are under the false impression that the deadly substance has already been banned and is no longer used. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPS) did pass regulations to ban and phase out asbestos in 1989. Unfortunately, that legislation was overturned two years later.

If you or a loved one has mesothelioma or any asbestos-related illness, please call or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if our North Carolina mesothelioma attorneys agree to handle your mesothelioma claim, they will work on a contingent fee basis, which means they only get paid for their services if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before the expiration of the statute of limitations. Please call our North Carolina mesothelioma attorneys right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.