Ebola and Insurance.

Will the insurance industry be hit hard with the spell of Ebola outbreak? The comprehensive Ebola fact sheet published last Monday by New York based Insurance Information Institute on its website indicated the potential ramifications the spread of Ebola might have for the insurance industry. The institute took a a very practical approach to the subject and noted that only very few residents of the effected countries in West Africa have any sort of life or health insurance coverage and the global insurance industry remained stable from any negative impact so far. It described that even if it would spread and infect people in the United States I thousands the industry will be able to financially weather the crisis. 

Exposure to Asbestos at Ship Breaking Yard in Bangladesh

The dangerous chemical based product called Asbestos which is mostly used in construction industry is banned in countries Canada, and good reasons. When the asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled, because of the size of the fibers, the lungs cannot expel them. The fibers are also very sharp and thus penetrate the tissues.

There are health problems caused by asbestos that are very serious and life threatening. 

The first one is called Asbestosis. It is a lung disease which was first found among textile workers. Asbestosis is a scarring of the lung tissue caused by an acid produced in the body when it attempts to dissolve the fibers. This may ultimately become so acute and severe that the lungs cease to function. In most cases the time period for symptoms of the disease to develop is 10–20 years.

The second one is Mesothelioma. It is a cancer developed in the mesothelial lining of the lungs and the chest cavity, in the peritoneum (abdominal cavity) or in the pericardium (a sac surrounding the heart). This is not like lung cancer which has link to smoking. Mesothelioma has no association with smoking. The causal factor that has been established is the exposure to asbestos or similar fibers. It has also been observed that the latency period for Mesothelioma may be 20–50 years. The prognosis for Mesothelioma is very grim, with most patients dying within 12 months of developing the symptoms.

 The third health hazard that has been linked to asbestos is Cancer that starts in the lung, gastrointestinal tract, kidney and larynx. The period of time that it takes to develop this is often 15–30 years. 

Now watch this youtube video produced by National Geographic and tell me who should we blame for putting so many workers at risk? Is there attorney or personal injury lawyer in Bangladesh who will take up the issue and ask for better protection and compensation for all these? 

Ebola Scare and Insurance

The entire world is now scared for Ebola. The shares of the companies manufacturing protective suits have skyrocketed in last few months. What about the insurance? I do not know if any insurance company will insure someone who is taking a job and heading for West Africa as a member of Ebola Response Team. How much it will be? What if he/she already has a life insurance? Will the existing policy remain in effect during the travel to that part of the world?

I wonder if there are any attorney or lawyer that can also be involved in solving any issues with respect to the claims related to Ebola. If there are I am sure it will be as expensive as it is the case with Mesothelioma.