Pleural plaques are areas of slight fibrous thickening on the pleura, which can progress slowly and can calcify. The calcification makes pleural plaques very apparent on chest X-rays. Pleural plaques appear radiologically at least ten years after the initial exposure to asbestos, with the extensiveness of the plaque linked to the intensity and duration of the exposure.
Secondary asbestos exposure, however, is not discussed as often. Family members of former industrial workers and veterans are also at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. Whether a person knowingly or, more likely, unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibers not as a result of a direct encounter with asbestos materials but through a secondary transfer, they may develop related illnesses later in life.
At Atraxia Law, our attorneys can hold negligent companies accountable and pursue maximum compensation so you have the money you need during this difficult and stressful time. We highly recommend you contact us as soon as you’re diagnosed, even if you’re not sure when you were exposed to asbestos, as we can help you establish at which point you were exposed and will help you make a claim against the company responsible for the production of asbestos-containing products that caused your cancer.