If you know someone who has mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the odds are that they are over 40 years old. Most of the people who have these diseases are in these more advanced age groups, which is one of the reasons why the fatality rate for the disease is so high.
This observation may lead you to believe that asbestos doesn’t harm younger people, but rest assured that it certainly can. What is going on here?
The Delayed Impact of Asbestos
What you’re observing is the delay. Asbestos is rarely harmful right when you’re first exposed. This is different from the reaction you may have when exposed to chemicals and other contaminants. Instead, the particles are inhaled and enter the body, where they become trapped or embedded. Over time, this leads to the development of the disease, but it can take decades for that disease to occur.
As one medical professional put it, “children exposed at a young age are at high risk of developing mesothelioma as an adult.”
This is part of why exposure is so dangerous. A child won’t know what to look for. By the time they understand the risks, it could be too late to get any help.
Additionally, it’s never wise to assume that your exposure had no impact. If you know you were exposed, but you still feel fine a year later, that means nothing. You could still be decades away from seeing the actual ramifications of your illness, even if you are already an adult.
Getting the Compensation you Deserve
Cases like this can be complex to prove, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeking your well-deserved compensation. You need to know what rights you have and what steps to take to recover compensation in your case.