Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Report Reconfirms That Asbestos Causes Cancer, New York Mesothelioma Attorney Says

Asbestos causes cancer. That was again the official word from a congressionally mandated study of cancer-causing substances released this month, New York mesothelioma attorney Joseph W. Belluck said today.

The 12th edition of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Report on Carcinogens found “asbestos and all commercial forms of asbestos are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans.”

“Asbestos has been listed as cancer-causing in every Report on Carcinogens since the first report was released in 1980,” said Belluck, the New York asbestos lawsuits attorney. “Although it’s been clear for more than 30 years that asbestos causes mesothelioma and other cancers, many victims are just now finding out that they have asbestos-related cancer because the disease can hide for decades.”

The 12th Report on Carcinogens said that studies have found that asbestos causes both pleural (lung) and peritoneal (abdomen) mesothelioma, as well as cancer in the respiratory tract and other tissues. Exposure to asbestos can also increase the risk of lung cancer, studies show.

“These findings have been repeatedly peer-reviewed by medical scientists since the first Report on Carcinogens was issued three decades ago, and they have consistently reaffirmed that asbestos causes cancer,” said Belluck, a partner in the New York asbestos exposure law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP.

Some of the people most susceptible to asbestos exposure include those who work or worked in construction, shipyards, building demolition and automotive brake repair. Second-hand exposure is also a problem for the families of workers who could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes and bodies. Veterans are another category of concern because the U.S. military used asbestos heavily from the 1940s until the 1970s.

Symptoms of mesothelioma — also called “asbestos cancer” — include:

  • A persistent cough, which could be dry or could include mucous or blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Problems swallowing
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Profuse sweating
  • Painful breathing or pain the chest or ribs.

Belluck urged people to seek medical treatment promptly if they believe they have signs of mesothelioma. He also stressed that symptoms usually do not appear for 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

“It’s also important for victims of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma to know that they have legal rights and can pursue an asbestos exposure lawsuit against the company or agency that exposed them to this toxic substance,” Belluck said.

He advised victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases to seek out a qualified asbestos exposure lawyer who has experience handling asbestos claims.

About Belluck & Fox, LLP

Belluck & Fox, LLP is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims as well as victims of crime, medical malpractice, motorcycle crashes, exposure to lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won nearly $350 million in compensation for clients and their families.

Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in New York Magazine's Best Lawyers in the New York Area and in Super Lawyers. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos defective medical products tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for more than $12 million.

Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine's Best Lawyers in the New York Area and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal' s Largest Verdict of the Year.

In September, Belluck & Fox, LLP won a coveted spot on a list of America's best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S News World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.


Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/349206#ixzz1QhDrjwmW