What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber that has been used in a wide variety of products, including insulation of homes and office buildings, due to its ability to resist heat, and the flame retardant properties of asbestos. Research has shown that although asbestos has many useful qualities in building construction, hundreds of thousands of American deaths have been attributed to the inhalation of asbestos. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of asbestos deaths reached 1,493 in the year 2000 alone. Exposure to asbestos fibers has been shown to possibly cause a number of potentially fatal health problems including asbestosis and mesothelioma, a form of cancer that develops in the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma affects approximately 2,500 to 3,000 people in the United States each year. Some particular groups of individuals are more likely to suffer from an asbestos related health problem than others, as firefighters, miners, pipe fitters, factory workers, shipbuilders, and construction workers are among the most susceptible due to the their exposure to asbestos and the nature of their work.
Asbestos Use in United States
Asbestos use has declined dramatically in the United States since the 1970s. Today, the cancer dangers of asbestos have led to the use of less harmful insulation material, such as fiberglass. Even though alternatives exist, asbestos is still present in many homes and office buildings without the knowledge of the occupants. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most common places where asbestos is still found include pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, floor tiles, millboard, textured paints and other coating material. Testing and analysis of the insulation or siding of homes or other buildings is the only way to identify asbestos insulation and discover if individuals may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
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Asbestos Removal
Asbestos should only be handled or removed by specialized, trained contractors. Unfortunately, contractors and workers who specialize in asbestos abatement are at a higher risk of asbestos disease and mesothelioma, as they are exposed to the harmful insulation in the difficult process of asbestos removal. Disturbing materials that contain asbestos by cutting, sanding or other remodeling activities can increase levels of asbestos fibers in the air, which can place people in greater danger of breathing in the asbestos fibers and possibly suffering from an asbestos related ailment. Symptoms of asbestos poisoning are difficult to detect as many of the symptoms are similar to other health problems. In addition, abestosis and mesothelioma have long incubation periods where symptoms may not show for as many as 20-50 years, making early detection more difficult. Asbestos contractors, construction workers, factory workers, and others who are exposed to asbestos should be aware of the dangers asbestos can have on their health, and that of their families.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos and noticed adverse side effects, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on asbestos lawsuits, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP's experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning asbestos. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Asbestos Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Toxic-Substances-C6/Asbestos-P70/'>Asbestos: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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