Attorney Joseph W. Belluck of Belluck & Fox, LLP says research shows that asbestos in any form is unsafe.

New York, NY, August 12, 2009 -- A new study indicates that textile workers who worked with asbestos in manufacturing are at greater risk of developing cancer and mesothelioma, adding fresh evidence of the hazard of asbestos exposure, a New York attorney says.

"This study adds further evidence about the toxicity of chrysotile asbestos," said Joseph W. Belluck, a New York attorney who concentrates in litigation involving asbestos-related disease. "It's further proof that asbestos is unsafe in any form and in nearly all instances."

The study by researchers at the University of Nevada, Duke University and the University of North Carolina found that the textile workers' mortality rate from lung cancer and other cancers was significantly higher than expected, compared to the national population. The researchers also found that the risk of lung cancer and asbestosis increased in proportion to the estimated exposure to asbestos fibers.

The study is published in the current issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, an international scientific journal that focuses on environmental and workplace health issues. The study tracked about 5,700 workers who were employed at any time between 1950 and 1973 in one of four textile plants in North Carolina that converted raw asbestos and cotton fibers into yarn and woven materials.

The report's findings challenge studies that suggest that chrysotile asbestos, one of two general forms of asbestos, is safe for use and does not cause mesothelioma. The researchers reported that mortality rates for lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs, were higher than expected.

It adds textile workers who produced asbestos products to the list of occupations linked to asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. The list includes construction workers, miners, shipyard workers, drywallers, asbestos removal workers, demolition workers and auto mechanics.

Exposure to asbestos occurs by inhaling air containing microscopic asbestos fibers, which lodge in the lungs. The adverse effects often do not show up for 20 to 30 years.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization Asbestos classify asbestos as a human carcinogen. But until the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in manufacturing, particularly for building materials, because of its properties of heat resistance and durability.

About Belluck & Fox

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, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm has won more than $200 million in compensation for its clients and their families.

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 "The 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.

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

For more information, contact the firm at 877-695-2909 or through the online contact form.

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