Corrugated Paper - Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

Asbestos was commonly used in many products until the mid-1970s, when the news about the dangers of inhaling asbestos fibers became public knowledge. Because of its fire retardant properties, asbestos was often used in paper products that were meant to be used for construction and insulation. Among those asbestos treated paper products is corrugated paper, often used in fireproofing around fireplaces and stoves. It was also often used in products like hot mats and trivets and as backings for a wide variety of products. In 1991, the Fifth Circuit Court of New Orleans struck down a 1986 EPA ban on the use of asbestos in many products. It left in place a ban against the use of asbestos in corrugated paper, rollboard, commercial paper and specialty paper as well as new uses of asbestos.

According to the EPA ban, corrugated paper means any "corrugated paper product containing asbestos which is often cemented to a flat backing and may be laminated with foils or other materials, and has a corrugated surface". The major manufacturing uses of corrugated paper are thermal insulation for pipe coverings, panel insulation in elevators, block insulation, insulation in low pressure steam, hot water and process lines and insulation in appliances. Although any new use or importation of corrugated paper containing asbestos is prohibited, it was used so extensively in construction and manufacturing that you'll still find many products containing it in older homes and lurking at yard sales, garage sales and second-hand shops. It may also still be found as heat shields on heating and cooling system components.

Where will you find asbestos corrugated paper?

Owners of older homes may find corrugated paper with asbestos wrapped around heating pipes or hot water pipes, especially at joints. It was often sold as sheets or rolls meant to be used for wrapping pipes to reduce heat loss.

What should I do if I find asbestos corrugated paper in my home or workplace?

In many cases, asbestos is best left in place and covered, but an expert is the best person to make that judgment. In general, the danger of asbestos is determined by its condition. Asbestos that has deteriorated to the point where it can be broken or crumbled by hand is considered to be "friable". Friable asbestos may become airborne more easily, releasing dust and fibers into the air. Paper asbestos products are far more likely to be deteriorated and friable than most other applications of asbestos. If you believe that you have corrugated paper containing asbestos in your home or workplace, your best course of action may be to consult a professional for advice on asbestos abatement.

If you worked in a factory that made asbestos paper, or if you used asbestos corrugated paper in your job, you are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after exposure, and its early symptoms are often overlooked because they are relatively innocuous and could be the symptoms of many other respiratory ailments. This is unfortunate, since early diagnosis is one of the keys to effective treatment. It could well be that one of the reason that mesothelioma is so deadly is that it is often not diagnosed until the later stages. If you beliee you worked with asbestos in any industry, or may have be exposed to it in your workplace or home, and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, it's important that your doctor know about your asbestos history. It will help him or her make an informed diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you were exposed to asbestos in the past. Even if you are not certain how or where you were exposed, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you find out if you are entitled to compensation for your illness.

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