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Health risks allegedly linked to asbestos exposure
Asbestos is a name given to six different types of minerals that have stringy, fluffy or wooly textures. Asbestos minerals are found naturally in rock and soil.
Asbestos was often used in construction because it is strong and can handle very high temperatures. It was also used as insulation and in flame-retardant materials.
As people became aware of the health risks from asbestos exposure, regulators limited its use. Federal bans on asbestos use began as early as 1973 with spray-on fireproofing and insulation containing asbestos. However, it wasn't until March of 2024 that the US Environmental Protection Agency finally banned it completely.
Scientists and doctors now agree that exposure to asbestos is dangerous. Many agencies and organizations, including the WHO, CDC and EPA, have issued warnings about using asbestos. They now say that any level of asbestos exposure has health risks.
If you believe you or a loved one have had any asbestos exposure, you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.
How do people get exposed to asbestos?
Asbestos can break down into dust and microscopic particles that easily travel through air. You can breathe in these toxic particles or even eat them if they fall on food or dishes. The asbestos fibers can stick inside your lungs or other parts of your body and eventually lead to serious health problems.
After discovering the dangers of asbestos, its use was heavily regulated and is now finally banned. Owners of buildings containing asbestos have been removing it. That said, you may still be at risk of asbestos exposure if you work in certain industries: Shipbuilding, Construction, Mining, Automotive brake repair.
How does asbestos affect the human body?
When asbestos particles are stirred up in the air, you can breathe them in. They can get stuck in your lungs and, over time, cause many kinds of diseases that often take decades to show up. These include: Mesothelioma, Lung cancer, Throat cancer (Esophageal, Pharyngeal, Laryngeal), Gastrointestinal cancer (Stomach, Colon, Rectal, Anal, Intestinal), Asbestosis, Pleural plaques, Pleural thickening, Asbestos on the lungs.
Companies involved in asbestos lawsuits
The history of asbestos lawsuits marks one of the longest-running civil actions ever. Because asbestos was used in so many ways for such a long time, many different companies and manufacturers have been named in lawsuits. Some notable examples include:
Johns-Manville Corporation: Large manufacturer alleged to use asbestos in construction materials such as insulation, roofing, etc.
W.R. Grace & Co.: Mining company responsible for mining vermiculite, which could be contaminated with asbestos.
Halliburton (through Dresser Industries): Through their inheritance of Dresser Industries, Halliburton took on liability of Dresser Industries' asbestos-containing products, which included gaskets and other industrial equipment.
You and your family may be owed compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the suffering caused by potential asbestos exposure due to these and other companies. An asbestos lawsuit also raises awareness and gives more power to the push for stricter regulations on using harmful chemicals in products.