Fireproofing Materials - Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

Until only a few decades ago, asbestos was used widely in a variety of commercial, industrial, and residential applications, most commonly in the form of fireproofing materials and fire retardant insulation. During these decades, asbestos was used in most construction and development projects because it is a poor conductor or heat, and it is quite resistant to catching fire. Thus, manufacturers and contractors marketed it as the ideal fireproofing material and insulator. And while asbestos served the way asbestos-industry marketers said it would -- protecting houses and businesses from the scourge of fire -- it presented a hazard of its own, one that was hidden from consumers and the media for many years, until the secret leaked out three decades ago. Of course, today we know the terrible secret: asbestos kills.

Although scientists and health officials attested to the potential dangers of asbestos in the 1970s, fireproofing materials that contained asbestos stayed on the market for many years to follow. Legislation that banned new products from containing asbestos did not prohibit the use of asbestos in the manufacture of products that historically used the deadly material. Thus, developers and contractors continued to install asbestos fireproofing materials and insulations in homes, schools, factories, and commercial facilities. Fireproofing materials containing asbestos were installed on roofs, on HVAC units, in boiler ducts and elsewhere as late as the 1990s, long after manufacturers and developers became aware of the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. Many people were unaware that they were being exposed to asbestos in their own home, school, and workplace. They were given no warning; thus, they could not take the proper precautions.

Many of these common products no longer contain asbestos, but unfortunately this does not guarantee the safety of you and your family. You may still be at risk of exposure to asbestos. Even if your home is new and is free of asbestos-containing materials, you may be exposed elsewhere during your day. Many schools, factories, and commercial campuses built in the 1970s or 80s harbor fireproofing materials that contain asbestos. When these materials are disturbed by traffic, renovation, removal, or simply wear with age, you or your loved ones could be exposed to friable asbestos fibers. Countless studies have shown that exposure and aspiration of these asbestos fibers could lead to severe, life-threatening illnesses, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma. Ten thousand innocent victims die each year in the United States as a result of diseases caused by asbestos exposures, many of which could have been prevented if the proper warnings and information had been made available by manufacturers, developers, and property owners. Why didn't these individuals care enough to take those precautions?

If you have ever worked in construction or own a home containing asbestos fireproofing materials, you may have been exposed to dangerous levels of friable asbestos fibers. These asbestos fibers are harmful to your health, causing mesothelioma and other illnesses that could be potentially fatal. If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos fireproofing materials, you must take the appropriate action to ensure that you and your family are protected in the future. The manufacturers of asbestos fireproofing materials didn't care enough to make sure that your family was safe -- find an experienced attorney who will, one who can make sure that justice is served. If you suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos, contact a knowledgeable attorney for your asbestos-related claim today.

Mesothelioma News

Asbestos Testing for Oneida County Building Funded by Union
2008-11-20 15:50:02
The Oneida County Office Building in Utica, New York has recently tested negative for airborne asbestos. Apparently though, that isn't good enough for the union, which represents county employees. Uni ...Read More
Asbestos Tests Show New Jersey Sports Field Poses No Risk
2008-11-20 15:36:54
Asbestos was discovered last month at a public area in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, which prompted concerns that there may be exposure risks for locals. Now, however, those fears have been allayed, as tests ...Read More
EPA and Vermont Working Together to Solve Asbestos Mine Problem
2008-11-20 15:19:39
State of Vermont officials have released a new statement about the urgent need for investigating the impact of an abandoned asbestos mine in Colchester. The mine, located near the towns of Eden and Lo ...Read More