ASBESTOS EXPOSURE CAUSES LUNG CANCER

Everybody knows smoking causes lung cancer; even tobacco company officials know it, though they don’t admit it. But did you know that asbestos exposure also causes lung cancer? It certainly does, and a smoker who also has a past history of asbestos exposure has a ninety times greater chance of developing it. If you have a history of asbesots exposure, consider that the next time you light up.

The asbestos manufacturers actually knew in the 1930s that there was a high rate of lung cancer among asbestos factory workers, miners, and end users of asbestos-containing products. Like the tobacco companies, they didn’t tell the public about the cancer risk. Numerous studies through the 1940s and 1950s confirmed this medical knowledge, and a study by Dr. Selikoff in 1964 eliminated all doubt.

It requires a heavy exposure to asbestos, over many years, to cause lung cancer. Many shipyard laborers and trademen fit this description, especially 20-year Navy boiler tenders, engine men, water tenders, firemen, and other ratings which required work in engine and fire rooms on ships. Many of these men are being diagnosed with, and, unfortunately, dying from lung cancer.

Asbestos-Exposed Persons with Lung Cancer Are Entitled to Substantial Compensation, Even If They Smoked

Many people have asked the question: “I know persons with asbestos-related disease are entitled to compensation. But I also smoked, in addition to my asbestos exposure. Can I obtain compensation from the asbestos companies, even though I also smoked?” The answer to that question is a clear, emphatic YES. This is because, under California law, you are not required to prove that asbestos was the only cause of your lung cancer; you only need to prove that it was a contributing cause of it.

Therefore, in the case of a 20-year Navy boiler tender, or similar rating, who also smoked for many years, and then is diagnosed with lung cancer many years later, substantial compensation may be obtained.

Lung Cancer Can Be Successfully Treated— But You Need to See a Doctor to Find Out

Most shipyard workers, especially Navy 20-year men with engine or boiler-related ratings, are at high risk of developing lung cancer. Yet, many are reluctant to see a doctor. That attitude is understandable; no one wants to find out they’re sick. But that attitude is also wrong, because lung cancer can be successfully treated…and defeated. The key is early detection. Think of your family, and all of those who care about you, then get in to see a doctor.