If you have worked at an asbestos contaminated worksite in Maine and suffer from an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, you should contact a Maine mesothelioma attorney now and file for damages. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will be able to settle your case with a positive verdict, to re-compensate for your pain and suffering. If you have lost a loved one due to mesothelioma, you can also file a suit against the company your loved one worked and got exposed to deadly fibers of asbestos.

The state of Maine has some of the largest numbers of asbestos related injuries and cases reported that have resulted from asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure causes a deadly condition called mesothelioma, which has no cure and is often fatal within 18 months to 2 years. The diagnosis of this cancer is rather critical because it has an extended latency period; what this means is that the disease may not show any symptoms or manifestations until years and even decades after the initial asbestos exposure that triggered the development of the disease. Maine is not only home to natural deposits to asbestos, but it also consists of many shipyards, dock yards and power plants which have used asbestos for insulation for years. Most companies used asbestos abundantly in the state of Maine, exposing their employees to asbestos fibers which cost them their lives.

Natural asbestos deposits in Maine:

Maine is home to several naturally occurring deposits of asbestos as well [1]. Maine borders the Canadian state Quebec, which has tremendous amounts of naturally occurring asbestos mined and imported, even though the substance is not used in Canada itself. There are also other deposits of asbestos that have been discovered in different parts of the state. One is situated near the border of Maine and New Brunswick towards the eastern side, and the remaining few are found between Blue bay and Penobscot bay, along the coast of the peninsula that divides the two. All residents living near these areas are at a risk for being exposed to asbestos and developing the diseases and disorders associated with its exposure. It is therefore advised to all people residing in these areas to seek medical attention and early diagnosis from specialized mesothelioma clinics that have been established for this purpose. Mesothelioma usually takes decades to develop, so even if a person has been exposed 20-30 years ago, the symptoms of mesothelioma don’t occur until decades later, this is why it is very important to get yourself checked for mesothelioma and other asbestos related conditions as soon as possible.

Asbestos and mesothelioma:

The reason why asbestos exposure is deemed extremely dangerous is because the size of its fibers is very minute and fine, this means that these fibers can easily be inhaled by people and enter the respiratory system when they are airborne. The greatest hazard of inhaling asbestos fibers is the development of a deadly cancer of the mesothelium known as mesothelioma as well as asbestosis [2]. Workers at mining sites are directly exposed to the risks of asbestos exposure and have high possibilities of falling victims to other asbestos related diseases. The risks increase readily if the workers do not wear protective gear comprising of respirators when inside mines and other asbestos contaminated jobsites. These workers can also expose their families and other people that they come into contact with by carrying asbestos fibers and pieces on their clothing and bodies. This may lead to secondary exposure to asbestos, which is equally dangerous in terms of the development of diseases. If you have worked at the below mentioned job sites and suffer from mesothelioma or an asbestos related condition you should contact a Maine mesothelioma lawyer file your case.

Job sites in Maine with asbestos exposure:

One of the most common sites of asbestos exposure is power plants which are inspected by government and health regulation authorities routinely. In Maine, there are several power plants located at different areas including Vezie, Old town, Augusta and Portland. Perhaps the most prominent power plant of the state, the Maine Yankee Power Plant is situated in Wiscassett. The reason why asbestos is used by power plants and other chemical industries in different parts of the world is due to its chemical and heat insulating properties. Asbestos does not conduct electricity and hence is readily used as insulation in residential homes and buildings as well as industrial structures. Asbestos is also used for piping and tiling purposes around houses and offices. The mineral is used in different components and parts of machines installed in major industrial plants and manufacturing units. Other sites in Maine where asbestos has been found include Gardiner, Rumford, South Hope, New Brunswick, Jay, Bangor and Bath, Lincoln and various shipyards, chemical plants, paper factories amongst others.

Construction and asbestos:

Perhaps the one industry that poses the greatest risks of the hazards of asbestos exposure is the construction industry. Asbestos and asbestos containing materials (ACM) are used readily in construction and its associated products. It is for these reasons that every time a building is set to be renovated, special efforts are made to ensure the complete safety of the workers and employees of the projects, in order to protect them from any possible exposure to the harmful mineral [3]. In the state of Maine, if more than 3 square feet of asbestos is used for any purpose the state authorities need to be notified. Your Maine mesothelioma attorney can help you file a suit against these companies that exposed you to asbestos which caused you to develop mesothelioma.