The Online Asbestos, Asbestos Cancer, & Mesothelioma Authority
Anxiety
Anxiety is a generic term that describes a state or experience of a range of complex, unpleasant emotions. Fear, apprehension, and worry are frequent companions of anxiety, as well as a variety of physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, nausea, sweating, and headaches. Anxiety consists of four components: cognitive, behavioral, somatic, and emotional. Of particular relevance, the cognitive component deals with the expectation of an unknown danger. Arguably, exposure to asbestos has generated a fair amount anxiety, fear, and panic as exposed persons confront concerns about future health and personal well-being.
The potential consequences of exposure to asbestos are widely known. They are also widely feared. To name but a few, lung cancer, stomach cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma are conditions worthy of considerable anxiety. The anxiety caused by fears of developing these diseases, and other possible future conditions, is often well-grounded. Occupational health promotion messages and results from community studies have helped to cement and fuel concerns. Unfortunately, these notification messages designed for the benefit of exposed workers often negatively impact quality of life. Moreover, the resulting anxiety may often interfere with the ability to respond to the information presented. It has been shown that anxiety over cancer has commanded the majority of attention for several years, owing to the relative control of other historically deadly illnesses. Indeed, cancer anxiety knows no boundaries, be they geographical, ethnic, or otherwise.
Certain conditions such as mesothelioma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have proven to be caused by asbestos exposure. However, in the absence of known associations, plaintiffs may seek damages based on the possibility of developing future illness. Most recently, high courts in the United States and Britain have awarded pain and suffering damages to workers suffering from fears of developing cancer and other conditions. Occasionally, psychiatric injury has proven compensable.
- Seligman, M.E.P., Walker, E.F. & Rosenhan, D.L. (2001). Abnormal psychology, (4th ed.) New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
- Health and Safety Executive. Asbestos dust: the hidden killer! Are you at risk? Essential advice for building maintenance, repair and refurbishment workers. Ind(G)187L. Sudbury:Health and Safety Executive, 1995.
- Meyerowitz, B.E., Assessing quality of life when planning and evaluating worker notification programs: two case examples. Am. J. Ind. Med., 1993, Jan; 23(1): 221-7.
- Norfolk & Western Railway Company v. Freeman Ayers et al., 538 US 135, 155 L Ed 2d 261, 123 S Ct 1210[No. 01-963], Argued November 6, 2002. Decided March 10, 2003. United States Supreme Court.