Asbestos: Common Sources Of Airborne Asbestos And Health Implications

Asbestos is a mineral that was, and is in some cases, still used in construction and manufactured products due to its heat-resistance and insulating properties. While initially hailed as a very convenient and effective material, asbestos was found to cause life-threatening diseases, and was federally restricted starting in the 1970s.

Common Sources of Asbestos Injuries

Despite its extremely hazardous impact to health, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), asbestos use has not completely been eradicated in the United States. In fact, asbestos is still used in some construction materials imported to the United States from other countries. According to the CDC, the most common recent uses of asbestos include vehicle clutches and brake pads, corrugated sheeting material, cement pipes, materials used for roofing, and vinyl tile. Prior to 1970, asbestos was widely used in construction and manufacturing. Therefore, a person can be exposed to asbestos not only from new materials, but also from asbestos installed within the home and other commonly used areas and products prior to 1970. According to the CDC, such products made for commercial use include cement pipes, boilers and heaters, some car components, electrical wire conduits, corrosive medical containers, electrical motor components, heat-protective padding, furniture used in laboratories, paper products, pipe covering, roofing products, sealants and coatings, fabrics and textiles, and for insulation. These products are most commonly found in older buildings, ships, and automobiles from construction and manufacturing prior to 1970. A person can suffer an asbestos injury from exposure to these and other sources of asbestos.

Asbestos Injuries and Health Implications

Asbestos injuries in humans occur when asbestos fibers are released into the air and are inhaled into the body and lungs. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this occurs when asbestos-containing products are disturbed. The most common causes of disturbance, according to the EPA, are demolition work and building or home maintenance projects, such as repairing and remodeling. There are three major diseases that are caused by asbestos exposure: lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos injuries are particularly hazardous because asbestos is invisible to the naked eye and a person may not know that they are being exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos Injury Attorneys Know the Facts and the Law

Asbestos injuries are complex in nature, and so too are asbestos injury cases. When a person suffers an asbestos injury, they have legal rights and may be entitled to recover money damages. If you have been exposed to asbestos or believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, and you have suffered from mesothelioma or lung cancer as a result, you should immediately seek out the help of an experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer to learn about your legal rights and options. Contact the experienced Houston asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers at the Gilde Law Firm today for a free and confidential consultation to see if they can help.

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