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Newly Discovered Source of Asbestos Puts Dentists at Risk

New Study Confirms Six Cases of Pleural Mesothelioma Due to Asbestos in Dental Lining Tape

The authors of a new study have identified six cases of pleural mesothelioma contracted by people, mostly dentists, who were exposed to asbestos found in dental lining tape. While it is well known that many products like insulation and gasket materials contained asbestos, dental lining tape was not one of these well-known products. Accordingly, there is now a new cause for concern – dentists who used dental lining tape prior to the 1970s to cast crowns, bridges, and other metal dental prosthetic devices may have been exposed to deadly asbestos fibers.

One of the serious problems with identifying everyone who may have been exposed to asbestos prior to the 1970s is that it is hard to determine all of the products that contained asbestos. While over 3,000 products have been identified as a source of asbestos exposure, there is a continuous discovery of previously unknown sources of asbestos, such as dental lining tape. Although widespread use of asbestos ended in the 1970s, some people may have been unknowingly exposed to the deadly asbestos fibers from products that have yet to be identified as a source.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that, prior to the 1970s, was commonly used in construction, plastics, and industrial products. Asbestos was widely used because of its insulating and fire-retardant properties. However, there are deadly side effects to the exposure of asbestos. When asbestos fibers are handled or disturbed, it can produce a dust that forms deposits in the lungs when inhaled. This can lead to deadly illnesses decades later, such as pleural mesothelioma.

The people most at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, like pleural mesothelioma, are those who worked directly with a product containing asbestos many years ago. However, family members can also be exposed to asbestos fibers that stuck to the clothes of workers when they came home from their job.

What is Pleural Mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive cancer found primarily in the pleura, a soft tissue that covers the lungs. The only known cause of pleural mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Coughing blood
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Painful breathing
  • Shortness of breath

These symptoms may not appear for decades after initial exposure, which is why cases of pleural mesothelioma are just now maturing even though exposure may have occurred over 50 years ago.

How Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel Can Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure

Using our extensive resources, the asbestos attorneys at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel have helped victims of asbestos exposure that occurred here in the U.S. and abroad successfully pursue mesothelioma asbestos lawsuits against the manufacturers who used this harmful material. With a national presence and a wealth of experience prosecuting mesothelioma asbestos lawsuits, the asbestos attorneys at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel provide aggressive representation throughout the entire course of litigation. To learn more about legal representation at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel, or to have one of our asbestos attorneys review your potential mesothelioma asbestos lawsuit, email us or call 800.226.9880.

What are my chances?

That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve taken more mesothelioma trials to verdict than any other firm. And that’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you. Do you think you have a case? Contact us now to speak with an attorney.

Call 800.226.9880