New York, NY (PRWEB) November 29, 2011

New York mesothelioma lawyer Joseph W. Belluck voiced his agreement with an article recently published in the International Journal of Environment and Health that called for a total global ban on asbestos.

According to the article, only 52 of the 194 nations in the world prohibit the import, export, and use of asbestos. Asbestos exposure has been linked to mesothelioma?a cancer of the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen?and other related diseases.

Due to its heat- and fire-resistant properties, the material was popular in the construction, shipbuilding, and automobile industries. Asbestos still can be found in many buildings and homes in floor tiles, ceilings, insulation, and piping.

?As an advocate for mesothelioma victims, I?ve seen the effect that asbestos exposure can have on both the victims and their families,? say Belluck. ?The overwhelming impact that mesothelioma has on victims and families can be stopped only when there is a complete ban on asbestos.?

The authors of the journal article point out that there are safer alternatives to asbestos, making the production and use of asbestos hard to understand. The authors note that at least 125 million workers worldwide are exposed to asbestos today, with 20 to 40 percent of adult men reporting past occupations that might have exposed them to asbestos.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can appear 10 to 60 years after exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2,700 people in the United States die each year from mesothelioma.

About Belluck & Fox, LLP

The mesothelioma law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP represents victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease, as well as individuals with claims related to medical malpractice, motorcycle crashes, lead paint, and other serious injuries. Their attorneys have won almost $ 350 million in compensation for clients and their families.

Partner Joseph W. Belluck received an AV Peer Review Rating? from Martindale-Hubbell