Asbestos is a natural mineral. There are six types, the most common being white asbestos (used in buildings), brown asbestos (used as fire retardant and ceilings), and blue asbestos. Asbestos was used due to its insulating and fire resistance capabilities. Asbestos minerals are crystals that when mined can become thin dust particles. These particles of asbestos dust can be inhaled and pierce the lung tissue. The particles become permanently lodged in the lungs and cannot be removed. The asbestos crystals over time cause asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure has affected many types of workers including auto mechanics, shipbuilders or other shipyard workers, pipe fitters, drywallers, coal miners, cement workers, insulation and flood installers, construction workers, demolition workers, welders and firemen. In addition to the actual workers, their spouses have also been affected because asbestos fibers are often carried home on clothing.
The asbestos-cancer link has been known since the 1930s. In the 1930's, medical journals ran articles that linked asbestos to cancer. However, many asbestos companies and manufacturers tried to keep the cancer link from the public and employees. In the 1970s and 1980s, the U.S. EPA and OSHA implemented safety standards pertaining to asbestos use. In 1989, the EPA banned asbestos in most of its major uses, but in 1991, asbestos companies won a federal lawsuit revoking the ban. Asbestos is still not banned today despite its known hazards and tens of thousands of related deaths.
Contact the Jaques Admiralty Law Firm for a consultation about your asbestos or mesothelioma case at no charge. You can do this by phoning us at 1-800-521-8064 or by filling in the requested information in the space provided on this page and hitting the submit key.