Eagan Minnesota Mesothelioma and Asbestos Law Blog

If you have worked in a Minnesota mine, mill or spray insulation industry, you are at risk for asbestos exposure. One particular illness, asbestosis, is a breathing disorder that often causes devastating life consequences and, in worst cases, even death. Those afflicted with this or other asbestos-related illnesses often need daily living assistance and legal support.  

Asbestos is comprised of microscopic fibers that are dangerous to human health if ingested or inhaled. Asbestosis occurs when those fibers reach the alveoli, thus causing injury to the lungs. Although the body is equipped with cells that react to alveoli infection by attempting to digest asbestos fibers, these fibers are particularly resistant to breakdown as opposed to other chemicals or dust particles that can be broken down and eliminated through the body's defense mechanisms. As the body continues to unsuccessfully attempt to break down asbestos fibers, alveoli become inflamed and scarred.  

Between 12,000 and nearly 40,000 people in the United States die annually from diseases related to asbestos. This leaves many people wondering why materials containing the product are not altogether banned. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a new rule that not only has raised people's fears but has caused some to worry whether the rule could possibly lead to more asbestos exposure for workers and residents in Minnesota and across the country.

The EPA has proposed a significant new use rule requiring anyone who wishes to import or manufacture goods containing asbestos to first seek the agency's approval. Those speaking on behalf of the EPA say this rule would help them better regulate the potentially dangerous microscopic fibrous materials. Others say that such a rule would only enable more asbestos to be used in the United States, thereby placing even more people at risk for injury.

In late February, Minnesota manufacturing giant 3M Co. reached an $850 million settlement with the Minnesota Attorney General’s office over dumping of toxic perfluorochemicals, PFCs, that leached into the groundwater of Washington County. The settlement ends a $5 billion lawsuit between 3M and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Attorney General’s office.

3M manufactured these chemicals for use in their popular Scotchguard stain repellant as well as non-stick cookware and fire extinguishers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFCs do not break down easily and can accumulate in people’s bodies. In large quantities these chemicals can disrupt the immune system and can cause birth defects, cancer and thyroid hormone disruption.

In 1981, the first Minnesota asbestos litigation case was heard. Sadly, such cases have been on the rise since then, as many families have been devastated by mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related health problems. These often occur due to asbestos exposure in the workplace.

It can take years for symptoms of mesothelioma to surface. Victims often develop lingering coughs, have trouble breathing or experience chest discomfort without knowing what is causing their conditions. Following a doctor's diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness, there are often two main priorities: obtaining palliative care (since there is no cure for such diseases) and seeking justice for damages caused by employer negligence.