Asbestosis normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos for a long period of time in industrial settings. Even then, it normally effects asbestos workers when they have reached their 50s or 60s. If the 35-year-old does indeed have asbestosis, the exposure would likely have been massive.

The suit alleges that asbestos was used in the plant as recently as 2004. In the AP story, the plaintiff’s lawyer notes that DuPont stopped using asbestos in U.S. nylon plants in the 1970s. The plaintiff’s lawyer says he expects suits from more former workers to follow. You can read the AP story here. Look for more reporting on this issue from Asbestos Watch in the near future.