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If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer you could be entitled to significant compensation from both the Asbestos Trust Funds and asbestos product manufactures.
Contact us now for a FREE consultation.
Free Case Review
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer you could be entitled to significant compensation from both the Asbestos Trust Funds and asbestos product manufactures.
Contact us now for a FREE consultation.
Free Case Review
Cigarette smoking in and of itself is an increased risk factor for those exposed to asbestos. Lung cancer rates for smokers are estimated to be four times higher than for non-smokers.
Although we often associate asbestos exposure with construction and industrial uses, its prevalence is even more far-reaching.
Not only did smoking itself increase the risk of lung cancer but it was discovered that some cigarettes actually had asbestos fibers in the filter portion of the cigarette. So, even amidst the well-documented dangers of smoking, there is a lesser-known risk factor of asbestos being a component of cigarettes.
Certain cigarette companies’ inclusion of asbestos fibers raises questions even currently about the extent of health risks to consumers.
Asbestos is a mineral that was used in different industries throughout the 20th century. Its integration into consumer products led to health consequences that were initially unforeseen.
Around the mid-20th century, the tobacco industry started adding asbestos to cigarette filters. The industry was trying to enhance the appeal and perceived safety of products, and asbestos was regarded as an effective way to filter out particulate matter and reduce irritation.
Cigarette filters were designed to trap harmful tobacco smoke substances, and they were seen as an advancement and an innovation to reduce some of the risks associated with smoking.
Asbestos filters seemed like a promising way to improve the function because of their filtration capabilities.
Manufacturers would include asbestos in cigarette filters in different ways, including blending the fibers with cellulose acetate to improve the efficiency of filtering without impeding the smoking experience.
The tobacco industry had available the growing evidence that asbestos exposure was linked to serious health concerns but seemed indifferent. The concerns about diseases related to asbestos seemed to be overshadowed by profit margins and the quest to dominate the market.
The regulatory oversight for asbestos in cigarettes wasn’t stringent throughout most of the 20th century, so manufacturers were able to use it in their filters without much scrutiny. It took decades for comprehensive regulations to come about as far as the use of asbestos in consumer products.
The inhalation of asbestos through cigarettes increases the risk of asbestosis and lung cancer, as well as mesothelioma. As the awareness about the risks of asbestos grew and regulatory measures became stricter, the use of asbestos in filters ended.
Kent Micronite cigarettes were a brand introduced by the Lorillard Tobacco Company in the 1950s. They were marketed as technologically advanced with a filter to not only remove some of the harmful parts of cigarette smoke but also provide a smoother smoking experience.
The filter contained a material called micronite, which was actually a combination of things mentioned above—asbestos fibers, cellulose acetate and a binder.
Lorillard faced legal challenges and public scrutiny as far as the safety of the Kent Micronite cigarettes.
Other companies that are thought to have used asbestos in filters included:
People who could be at risk because of Kent Micronite cigarettes and others that contained
asbestos include not only smokers who would inhale fibers that are released from the filter but also people exposed to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke contains many of the harmful substances in mainstream smoke, and at the time when they were being used, they could have included asbestos.
Workers in the tobacco industry may have faced occupational exposure, and communities near facilities that produce cigarettes may have experienced environmental exposure.
While it’s hard to know exactly which companies were using asbestos in their cigarettes and
which types, there is also evidence indicating there may have been crocidolite asbestos in some products. That type of asbestos is especially dangerous because the fibers are thin and sharp, so they can penetrate the lungs deeply and cause damage.
Asbestos in cigarette filters is associated with several serious health conditions, including:
Other respiratory diseases linked to asbestos and smoking include bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis.
While it’s been decades since asbestos has been included in cigarette filters, mesothelioma has an extended latency period, meaning people are being diagnosed with conditions currently linked to exposure many years ago. The latency period is the time between an initial asbestos exposure and symptom onset or a diagnosis. The long latency period makes it difficult to both identify and address health consequences stemming from asbestos exposure, including from products like Kent Micronite cigarettes.
While there’s variance in the mesothelioma latency period, it usually ranges from 20 to 50 years or more. During this time, the fibers from the asbestos lodge in the tissues of the body and gradually damage cells, leading to tumors.
Even if someone smoked Kent Micronite or other asbestos cigarettes years ago, the fibers they inhaled could have started cellular changes that lead to mesothelioma much later in life.
The latency period underscores how important it is to regularly receive health monitoring if you have a history of asbestos exposure.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos through cigarettes and end up developing asbestos-related diseases, you may have compensation options available to you.
One avenue you can take for compensation is a personal injury lawsuit. If you’ve been harmed by asbestos exposure, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the tobacco company responsible for the manufacturing or distribution of the cigarettes.
Many asbestos manufacturers, which include some tobacco companies, have trust funds to provide compensation to people who were harmed by exposure. Trust funds are usually made as part of bankruptcies to make sure asbestos victims receive compensation.
If you believe you could have been harmed by asbestos exposure through cigarettes, you should talk with an experienced lawyer who specializes in asbestos litigation. We encourage you to contact us for a free consultation and to explore your options.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. It was used in some cigarette filters in the 1950s and 1960s to enhance filtration and reduce tar and nicotine intake. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers could be inhaled during smoking, posing serious health risks
One of the most notable cigarette brands that contained asbestos was Kent cigarettes, which used an asbestos-containing filter called “Micronite” from 1952 to 1956. Other brands may have also contained asbestos, but Kent cigarettes are the most well-documented case.
Asbestos was effectively banned in cigarette production after the health risks became widely known and public pressure increased. Kent cigarettes stopped using asbestos in their filters in 1956, and regulations in subsequent decades have further restricted the use of asbestos in consumer products
Symptoms of asbestos exposure can take years to develop and may include:
Shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Chest pain
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Wheezing or hoarseness
Swelling in the face or neck
These symptoms can indicate serious conditions like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis
To get tested for asbestos exposure:
Consult a doctor: Discuss your history of asbestos exposure and any symptoms you may have.
Imaging tests: Your doctor may recommend chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to detect lung abnormalities.
Pulmonary function tests: These tests measure how well your lungs are working.
Biopsy: In some cases, a tissue sample may be taken to look for signs of asbestos-related diseases
No, cigarettes containing asbestos are no longer produced today. Regulatory actions and increased awareness of the health risks have led to the discontinuation of asbestos use in cigarette production.
If you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos in cigarettes:
Stop smoking immediately: To prevent further exposure and reduce overall health risks.
Consult a doctor: Get a medical evaluation to assess any potential health impacts from the exposure.
Seek legal advice: If you have been exposed to asbestos through cigarettes, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an experienced asbestos attorney to discuss your options
Secondhand smoke from cigarettes that contain asbestos could potentially carry asbestos fibers, posing a risk to those nearby. However, since asbestos is no longer used in cigarette production, this risk is not present in cigarettes produced today.
To quit smoking:
Seek support: Join a support group or counseling program to help you stay motivated.
Use nicotine replacement therapy: Consider using nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Prescription medications: Talk to your doctor about medications that can help you quit.
Develop a quit plan: Set a quit date, identify triggers, and plan for how to handle cravings.
Stay active: Engage in physical activities to reduce stress and improve your mood.
For more information on asbestos in cigarettes, you can consult:
Health authorities: Websites of organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Medical organizations: Information from cancer research organizations and medical journals.
Legal and advocacy groups: Resources provided by organizations focused on asbestos awareness and legal rights.
Mesothelioma Attorney: Contact us for detailed information and legal assistance related to asbestos exposure.
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