Asbestos Exposure Lawyers

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that have been mined for their useful properties such as thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and high tensile strength. The three most common types of asbestos are: a) chrysotile, b) amosite and c) crocidolite. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos and a member of the Serpentine mineral group is the most common. Asbestos can only be identified under a microscope.

Why is asbestos a hazard?
Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when disturbed. These fibers get into the air and may subsequently be inhaled into the lungs where they can cause significant health problems. Researchers still have not determined a "safe level" of exposure but we know the greater and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease. Some of these health problems include:

• Asbestosis - a lung disease first found in naval shipyard workers.  As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may become trapped in the lung tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers by producing an acid.  This acid, due to the chemical resistance of the fiber, does little to damage the fiber, but may scar the surrounding tissue.  Eventually, this scarring becomes so severe the lungs cannot function. The latency period (the time it takes for the disease to become developed) is often 25-40 years.
• Mesothelioma - a cancer of the pleura (outer lining of the lung and chest cavity) and/ or the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal wall). This form of cancer is peculiar because the only known cause is from asbestos exposure. The latency period for mesothelioma is often 15-30 years.
• Cancer - caused by asbestos. The effects of lung cancer are greatly increased by cigarette smoking (by about 50%). Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract can be caused by asbestos. The latency
  period for cancer is often 15-30 years.

Despite the common misconception, asbestos does not cause headaches, sore muscles or other immediate symptoms. As mentioned above, the effects often go unnoticed for 15-40 years.

When is asbestos a hazard?
Asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left alone and periodic surveillance performed to monitor its condition. It is only when asbestos containing materials (ACM) are disturbed or the materials become damaged that it becomes a hazard.

Essential Links:

• An alphabetical list of high risk Professions due to Frequent contact with Asbestos.
• An Alphabetical List of Products Containing Asbestos