Asbestos Exposure and Your Health Risks Now
Asbestos exposure is more common than you think. It is a natural occurring product and just about everyone is exposed to it in minute amounts. Yet, you may be experiencing asbestos exposure at high levels and not even know it!
Did you know that although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos in 1989, yet any uses developed before 1989 are still allowed!
Another question to ask yourself — “how old is my home?” and, if you have a gas fireplace, “when was my gas fireplace installed?”
Why ask these questions? Because if your home was built, or the wallboard repaired prior to the late 1970s, there could be a chance asbestos was used. If your gas fireplace was installed before the late 1970s, ditto, you could have asbestos exposure through its use.
Asbestos Exposure Through the 1970′s
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) did not ban the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces until the late 1970s. They banned the use because asbestos fibers in these products could be released.
Although the US government has taken steps to ban the use of asbestos (well almost), and even though many places have had “asbestos removed,” it is still very much “around.” Depending on your lifestyle circumstances, how old your home is, what your hobbies are, and where you work, will depend on the increased chance of asbestos exposure.
You see, asbestos has been mined (still is), and used in many industries in the US since the 1800s. Some of the more common uses prior to the government stopping or reducing its use, included building and construction. Asbestos was used to strengthen cement and plastics. It was also used as insulation, fireproofing and sound reduction. Other uses in construction include being used in ceiling and floor tiles; paints, and coatings.
Asbestos Exposure in Shipbuilding Industry and Other Industries
Another industry that used asbestos extensively was the shipbuilding industry. They used it to insulate boilers, steam pipe and hot water pipes. In addition the car industry uses asbestos in vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads. Hair dryers used asbestos and even some crayons that contain a certain talc had asbestos (the manufacturer voluntarily discontinued the use of the talc).
Asbestos Exposure Shipbuilding
Asbestos is still found in vermiculite containing garden products. Although the government has deemed the amount in vermiculite is not harmful.
Asbestos exposure was rampant before it was banned for use in these industries, or placed under firm safety conditions for workers exposed. Many who worked in these industries could very well have been exposed to lethal amounts of asbestos fibers and dust that could lead to a multitude of dangerous health conditions — that do not show symptoms until years and years later.
Plus, many manufacturers and industries Knew they were exposing their workers to high levels of asbestos, yet did not inform their employees of the dangers.
On going and long term exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and nonmalignant lung and breathing disorders. There are numerous studies of workers exposed that have shown that these health conditions may develop 15 to 30 years after the long term exposure has ended.
Even now, tremolite asbestos (a type of asbestos) exposure has been associated with an increased incidence of health problems in vermiculite miners as well as millers in Libby, Montana.
This abundant asbestos exposure and severe health conditions resulting from the exposure has lead to many asbestos lawsuits and asbestos litigation.
If you or a family member has had asbestos exposure or think you may have suffered asbestos exposure unwittingly, or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or other related lung disease, you may be qualified for compensation.
