How Asbestos Causes Cancer

Chest X-ray showing the ribcage, spine, and lungs with a highlighted area of concern in the left lung, indicated by a red-orange glow.

Workers Exposed to Asbestos

Mesothelioma typically develops after people are exposed to asbestos in the workplace – in power plants, chemical and oil refineries, shipyards and aboard Navy ships, auto repair shops, construction sites, and schools. Workers who may have been grinding, cutting, ripping, sweeping, sanding or otherwise manipulating asbestos-containing materials released the nearly invisible, respirable asbestos fibers that they and others around them would then inhale. While many of these undetectable asbestos fibers would have been trapped by the body’s natural defense systems, hundreds of thousands and millions of fibers would have evaded those defenses and lodged deep in workers’ lungs.

Families Exposed to Asbestos

Unfortunately, family members of workers in these workplaces are also at risk of developing mesothelioma. After a long day on the job, workers carried home fibers on their hair, skin and clothes and unknowingly created an increased risk of developing cancer for their family members. More worrisome, though, is that those asbestos fibers carried home on workers’ hair, skin and clothes then become nearly impossible to remove from the home environment. So, spouses and children that help with laundry and live in the same home as workers exposed to asbestos suffer their own repeated, on-going exposures to asbestos.

Close-up of fibrous, rough-textured material with fine, hair-like strands and a dusty, earthy appearance. The fibers are intertwined and appear natural, resembling dried plant or root material. The background is blurred, emphasizing the detailed texture of the fibers.

A minimalist abstract background featuring overlapping translucent geometric shapes in shades of light gray and white. The shapes create a subtle layered effect with clean, sharp edges.

What Our Clients Say About Working With SWMW Law

At SWMW Law, we’re more than legal advocates — we’re a source of support during the most difficult times in our clients’ lives. We’re proud to be trusted by families across the country, and even prouder to share what they have to say about working with us.

See More Testimonials

“SWMW did an amazing job! They started the process with my father but during the process my father passed. They were so helpful when it came to us, his children, taking over in place of my dad. They answered every call and were extremely patient and supportive of us. They really did a great job with keeping us informed and educated. They fought for us. I would recommend them to anyone that hears the diagnosis of Mesothelioma. They will fight for you 100% of the way. Thank you SWMW Team for your support and patience! We truly appreciate all of you! – The Anderson’s”

Cristina Anderson
I would personally like to thank you and your staff for how you’ve have helped me and my family with a bit of our loss. It doesn’t bring my dear wife back, but it helps relieve some of our daily stress as we push on. Thank you.

Gregory U.
Everyone at SWMW Law have went above & beyond. They’ve been so compassionate & so very helpful. I really didn’t think I would be getting anything for my late husband. I feel like they have found every way possible to get something in the memory of my late husband. He didn’t deserve to pass the way he did, & SWMW Law are making sure his death wasn’t in vain. Ty you to Lyndsy & everyone who has put long hours into helping me. My deepest appreciation to you all.

Jeanne M.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the SWMW Law Firm. This firm has a team of amazing, smart and professional attorneys and staff. They really care about their clients and go above and beyond to obtain justice. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would!! Thank you all for your incredible work that you do!

Nicole O.

X-ray image of a chest with a highlighted red area indicating a potential abnormality or infection in the lung, held by a person wearing a white coat, with a stethoscope lying on a table in the foreground.

No Safe Level of Asbestos Exposure

Whether you were the worker directly handling asbestos with prolonged, heavy exposures or a family member of that worker laundering his or her clothes, every U.S. governmental safety or public health agency has concluded that there simply is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. So while long-term exposures to asbestos may result in greater risk, shorter-term, low-level, and massive one-time exposures are also known to increase the risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.

You May Not Know Until It’s Too Late

Unknowingly inhaling or swallowing these microscopic fibers causes severe damage as our bodies struggle to get rid of them. Over decades, the trapped fibers trigger biological changes in the tissue that can cause inflammation, scarring and genetic damage that sometimes leads to cancer. Asbestos fibers most often become trapped in either the inside of the lungs, called the parenchyma, or the lining of the lungs, called the pleura. They also can migrate through the lymphatic system to collect in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or heart (pericardium), and in very rare circumstances, the lining of the testicles. The lengthy gap between asbestos exposure and diagnosis, which can range from 20-50 years, is called the latency period. Unfortunately, your exposures to asbestos from long ago may have already determined your likelihood of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.

If you have mesothelioma or lung cancer, call us at (888) 422-8877 or contact us online.

A digital tablet displaying a chest X-ray with highlighted areas in the lungs, showing a person pointing at the screen with a white stylus. The person is wearing a white coat, suggesting a medical professional analyzing the X-ray.

Because we are different

Decades of
Experience

Our team is comprised of dozens of highly talented and experienced attorneys ready to fight for your best outcome.

Thousands of Clients Represented

Over the course of our firm’s experience, we have helped thousands of victims and their families recover life-changing verdicts and settlements.

Nationwide
Representation

We come to you wherever you are in the United States.

Resources + Personal Attention

A senior partner of our firm will be involved in your case, utilizing a team approach with massive resources uniquely applied to your case.

Free Consultations Available 24/7