Motley Rice recognizes National Asbestos Awareness Week

In recognition of the U.S. Senate's resolution designating the first week of April as National Asbestos Awareness Week, Motley Rice would like to emphasize the importance of research, action and responsibility as related to asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases.

For decades, mesothelioma, lung cancer and several other fatal or devastating diseases have been associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibers, and studies have shown that approximately 10,000 Americans die each year from illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, this number continues to increase. For nearly a century, asbestos was among the most popular building and products materials, and, because most asbestos-related diseases can take decades to manifest following initial exposure, many who were exposed in the past are only now beginning to suffer from symptoms.

Supported by such groups as the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), National Asbestos Awareness Week strives to honor loved ones affected by asbestos-related diseases, promote advances in protecting the rights of asbestos victims and increase public awareness of the continuing dangers of asbestos exposure and the often fatal asbestos-related illnesses.

Motley Rice attorneys have a long history fighting for the rights of workers and loved ones who have suffered due to asbestos-related diseases and support national efforts for heightened asbestos awareness, improved rights and protections and enhanced medical care for asbestos victims. Motley Rice works with unions, including the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association as legal and advisory counsel. The firm is also a member of the executive advisory board of the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

In an effort to further support greater asbestos awareness, Motley Rice is proudly serving as a sponsor for the 6th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference being held Friday, April 9, 2010 - Sunday, April 11, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The global mission of this conference is to prevent, detect and treat asbestos-related diseases.

For more information about Asbestos Awareness Week visit www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org.

Learn more about the Motley Rice Occupational Disease practice group or the firm's work in asbestos litigation.

Contact an asbestos lawyer.