Mesothelioma Cases in Manville, NJ: An Overview

The Devastating Impact of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Exposure to asbestos, a toxic mineral commonly used in construction and manufacturing, is the primary cause of mesothelioma. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can become lodged in the body’s tissues, leading to inflammation, scarring, and, ultimately, cancer.

The latency period for mesothelioma can be decades, and the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited. Sadly, many mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos on the job, through products they used, or from secondhand exposure.

Mesothelioma in Manville, NJ

Manville, New Jersey, was once the home of Johns-Manville Corporation, a manufacturer of asbestos-containing products. The town’s economy was heavily dependent on the company, which employed thousands of locals. However, when the dangers of asbestos became known in the 1970s, Johns-Manville declared bankruptcy and left a lasting legacy of asbestos exposure in Manville and surrounding areas.

The History of Johns-Manville Corporation

Johns-Manville Corporation was founded in 1858 as a manufacturer of roofing materials. By the early 20th century, the company had expanded its operations to include a wide range of asbestos products, including insulation, cement, and textiles. In the 1960s and 1970s, Johns-Manville faced mounting lawsuits from workers and their families who had been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

In 1982, Johns-Manville filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing the growing costs of asbestos litigation. The company established a trust to compensate mesothelioma victims and their families, but the damage had already been done. Many Manville residents had been exposed to asbestos on the job or from living near the factory, and mesothelioma cases in Manville remain high today.

Mesothelioma Cases in Manville Today

According to the Environmental Working Group, Manville has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the country. Between 1999 and 2017, there were 99 mesothelioma deaths in Manville, or a rate of 40.3 deaths per 100,000 people. The actual number of mesothelioma cases may be even higher, as the disease is often misdiagnosed or goes unreported.

A Table of Mesothelioma Cases in Manville

Year	Number of Mesothelioma Deaths
1999	2
2000	4
2001	5
2002	6
2003	4
2004	9
2005	4
2006	6
2007	8
2008	5
2009	7
2010	3
2011	5
2012	6
2013	4
2014	7
2015	7
2016	8
2017	6

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Manville

What Causes Mesothelioma?

The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a toxic mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the 1970s. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, leading to inflammation and cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos.

How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases. Doctors may perform a physical exam, chest X-ray, CT scan, or biopsy to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Is Mesothelioma Treatable?

Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the stage and location of the cancer. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be used to shrink or remove tumors and manage symptoms. However, mesothelioma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited.

What Is the Prognosis for Mesothelioma?

The prognosis for mesothelioma is generally poor, with most patients surviving less than a year after diagnosis. However, early detection and treatment can improve outcomes, and some patients may live longer with proper care.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the 1970s. It is composed of long, thin fibers that can cause inflammation and scarring in the body when inhaled or ingested. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Is There a Cure for Mesothelioma?

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, but ongoing research is exploring new treatments and therapies. Patients may be eligible for clinical trials of experimental treatments.

How Can I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation from companies that exposed you to asbestos. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer to discuss your legal options.

How Can I Protect Myself From Asbestos?

Avoiding exposure to asbestos is the best way to protect yourself from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. If you work in an industry that may expose you to asbestos, follow proper safety protocols and wear protective gear. If you live in an older home, have it inspected for asbestos and have it removed if necessary.

What Are Some Mesothelioma Support Groups?

There are many support groups for mesothelioma patients and their families, including the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. These groups offer resources and community for those affected by mesothelioma.

How Can I Help Raise Awareness About Mesothelioma?

You can help raise awareness about mesothelioma by sharing information about the disease with friends and family, participating in fundraising events for mesothelioma research and support groups, and advocating for stronger regulations on asbestos use and removal.

How Can I Donate to Mesothelioma Research?

There are many organizations that fund mesothelioma research, including the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and the National Cancer Institute. You can donate online or by mail to support these organizations’ efforts to find a cure for mesothelioma.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to seek medical treatment and discuss your legal options with a mesothelioma lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation from companies that exposed you to asbestos.

Take Action Against Mesothelioma Today

Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that affects thousands of people every year. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to take action to protect your health and seek justice for your injuries. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer today to discuss your legal options and get the compensation you deserve.

Additionally, consider participating in mesothelioma fundraising events, educating friends and family about the dangers of asbestos, and advocating for stronger regulations on asbestos use and removal. Together, we can work towards a future without mesothelioma.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical or legal advice. The mesothelioma cases in Manville, NJ, are a tragic reminder of the dangers of asbestos exposure and the need for stronger regulations and compensation for those affected by asbestos-related diseases.