Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is usually developed by asbestos exposure. A group of minerals called asbestos develops naturally in the atmosphere. These substances can be life-threatening to those exposed, which can also lead to mesothelioma. This disease affects people across the country and world, and the state of New Jersey (NJ) is no exception. NJ has many factories, ports and industries, which is why mesothelioma cases are on the rise there.
How Do You Get Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is neither genetic nor a contagious illness. This particular type of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Even though asbestos is banned in many other countries, there are still places throughout the world, including the United States that use the substance to mine and in other industries. Typically, and in the recent cases of NJ mesothelioma that are being brought to the attention of the public, mesothelioma is not detected until later in life. For mesothelioma victims in NJ, it is common that this illness was because of primary exposure. Although, NJ mesothelioma cases involving secondary exposure are steadily becoming more common.
Someone can develop mesothelioma directly through exposure at the workplace or at home. Nonetheless people exposed indirectly to asbestos can also be affected. For instance, if your husband works in a factory all day and brings asbestos home on his clothing that you wash and handle daily, you can become exposed. Exposure to asbestos can be fatal no matter if you have primary or secondary contact.
What Accounts for All the NJ Mesothelioma Cases?
More than 2,485 deaths in NJ were reported in 1999 due to mesothelioma. These deaths have been linked to a variety of professions throughout the states, but have mainly been found to be linked to shipyard and roofing work. One of the highest ranking states to have deaths because of mesothelioma is NJ?
There are a variety of reasons NJ has the eighth highest level of deaths from mesothelioma and the sixth highest mortality rate in the U.S. One of the main reasons is the fact that the shipyards in NJ, such as Hoboken Shipyards and the Kearney Federal Shipyard, use materials that contain asbestos. Asbestos has also been found to be widely used in roofer shingles throughout the state and in the factory heating plants and assembly lines.
Do You Have a NJ Mesothelioma Case?
There are experienced attorneys who deal with mesothelioma and asbestos cases, so if you or someone you care about suffers from mesothelioma, contact a lawyer now.