Lung cancer begins in the lungs and is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. These cells can form tumors that disrupt the normal functioning of the lungs, which are responsible for supplying oxygen to the body and expelling carbon dioxide.
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. There are two primary types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most prevalent form, accounting for about 85% of cases, while SCLC makes up around 15%.
Related article: What Causes Cancer?
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Potential Causes of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs mutate and grow uncontrollably. While smoking tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of cases, it's not the only risk factor.
Exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, diesel exhaust, and certain chemicals or environmental toxins can also cause this disease. Genetics may also cause lung cancer.
Emerging Concerns: Drugs and Consumer Products Linked to Lung Cancer
Recent research and legal actions have brought attention to other potential risk factors.
NDMA in Zantac and Lung Cancer
Zantac, a popular over-the-counter and prescription heartburn medication, contained potentially dangerous levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen. In 2020, the FDA requested the removal of all ranitidine products (including Zantac) from the market due to NDMA contamination.
Research indicates that chronic exposure to NDMA can damage DNA and lead to lung cancer. Patients who took Zantac regularly for an extended period may have unknowingly exposed themselves to NDMA.
Although the primary cancers associated with Zantac and NDMA are stomach, bladder, and colorectal cancer, growing evidence suggests Zantac might cause lung cancer.
As a result, plaintiffs diagnosed with lung cancer after prolonged use of the drug have filed Zantac lawsuits against the manufacturers of the medicine, alleging that the companies failed to warn users of the potential dangers.
NDMA in Valsartan and Lung Cancer
Valsartan is a medication prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Like Zantac, certain batches of Valsartan were contaminated with NDMA, leading to recalls and growing concern among patients and healthcare providers.
The contamination was discovered in 2018, and since then, multiple studies have highlighted the potential carcinogenic effects of NDMA exposure from Valsartan.
The presence of NDMA in Valsartan was linked to impurities in the manufacturing process. People who have taken NDMA-contaminated Valsartan for an extended period could have an increased risk of developing various cancers, including lung cancer.
Like the Zantac litigation, Valsartan lawsuits against the manufacturers of the blood pressure drug have been initiated by patients who developed cancer after prolonged exposure to the contaminated drug.
The lawsuits claim that pharmaceutical companies should have ensured their products' safety and failed to warn consumers about the potential risks.
AFFF Exposure and Lung Cancer
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam commonly used by military personnel, firefighters, and airport workers to suppress fuel fires.
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and the human body. These chemicals are often called forever chemicals because they do not easily break down and can accumulate over time.
Research has shown that exposure to PFAS in AFFF is associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including lung cancer. People who have worked in occupations where AFFF is frequently used, such as military bases or airports, are at higher risk.
Lung cancer related to AFFF exposure occurs when PFAS are inhaled or absorbed through the skin, allowing these toxic chemicals to enter the bloodstream and potentially cause cellular mutations that lead to cancerous growths.
Individuals who developed cancer after prolonged exposure to firefighting foam have filed AFFF lawsuits against manufacturers of AFFF.
These lawsuits argue that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn users about the risks associated with PFAS or take sufficient measures to prevent exposure.
Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune and Lung Cancer
Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina, has been the center of significant legal action due to contaminated water. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with various toxic chemicals, including benzene, vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE).
These known carcinogens have been linked to numerous health problems, including cancers of various organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Veterans, military personnel, and their families who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune and were exposed to the contaminated water for extended periods have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer, including lung cancer.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act passed in 2022, allows those affected to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits and seek compensation for their illnesses. Lung cancer claims related to Camp Lejeune often focus on the long-term exposure to carcinogenic chemicals in the water and the government’s failure to provide timely warnings or take remedial actions to protect those stationed at the base.
The Path to Justice for Victims of Dangerous Drugs and Toxic Exposures
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer and suspect it may be linked to exposure to dangerous drugs or toxic substances like NDMA in Zantac or Valsartan, AFFF firefighting foam, or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may have legal options.
The legal system can provide a pathway to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and more. It is crucial to consult with experienced mass tort attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases and can help navigate the legal process.
The attorneys at Lawsuit Legal News have the experience and dedication needed to pursue justice for victims of dangerous drugs and toxic exposures. Contact us today at 866-535-9515 today or complete our simple online form for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.