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Understanding the Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure

June 12, 2025

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Asbestos was once praised as a miracle material for its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. However, the hidden danger behind this naturally occurring mineral has devastated countless families across New Jersey and the nation.

At Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler, our New Jersey asbestos lawyers are committed to helping individuals understand the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure and fight for justice when those risks turn into life-altering diagnoses.

What Makes Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos becomes hazardous when its microscopic fibers are disturbed and released into the air. When inhaled, these fibers can become lodged in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can lead to a number of severe and often fatal health conditions. The danger of asbestos lies not only in its toxicity, but also in the long latency period between exposure and illness, often 10 to 40 years.

What Are the Primary Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure?

• Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Even brief or indirect contact with asbestos fibers can lead to this devastating diagnosis. Because of its long latency period, mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its later stages, making treatment more difficult.
• Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring of lung tissue, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and a persistent cough. Although not a cancer, asbestosis can be debilitating and may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Lung Cancer: While lung cancer has many potential causes, asbestos exposure is a confirmed risk factor. The risk is significantly higher in individuals who smoke and have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos-related lung cancer can develop decades after exposure and is often indistinguishable from other types of lung cancer without a thorough occupational history.
• Pleural Diseases: Asbestos can also cause non-cancerous conditions such as pleural plaques, pleural effusion, and pleuritis. These disorders affect the lining of the lungs and can lead to pain, difficulty breathing, and impaired lung function. Though not always life-threatening, pleural diseases often indicate a history of significant asbestos exposure.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Workers in construction, shipbuilding, power plants, manufacturing, and other industrial settings have historically been at the highest risk. In New Jersey, older buildings, naval yards, and manufacturing plants are frequent sources of exposure. Sadly, family members of workers may also face secondary exposure when asbestos fibers are carried home on clothing, hair, or tools.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Exposed?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, it’s important to act quickly. Medical monitoring, early intervention, and legal consultation can make a critical difference. Many victims have a legal right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

How Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Can Help

Our New Jersey asbestos attorneys have decades of experience handling complex asbestos and mesothelioma claims. We understand the unique challenges faced by those suffering from asbestos-related diseases and are dedicated to pursuing the full compensation you deserve. We’ve built a reputation for compassionate client service and aggressive legal representation in and out of the courtroom.

Call Our New Jersey Asbestos Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Today

If you or someone you love is suffering from an asbestos-related illness, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact our New Jersey asbestos lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler for a free consultation. We are here to answer your questions, evaluate your claim, and fight for your rights every step of the way. Call 215-569-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.