Asbestos Products

Asbestos Sheets

Up until the mid-1980s, products containing asbestos were widely used in the construction industry. Due to its durability, insulating properties, and fire-resistance, asbestos was very widely used in many construction and manufacturing processes. Unfortunately, asbestos is not only strong and durable; it is also a highly dangerous substance that is known to cause several serious diseases, including cancer.

Asbestos in sheet form was widely used in construction until restrictions on the use of asbestos products were established. Depending on their method of construction, asbestos sheets may have been used in roofing, cladding, or floor and ceiling construction. Asbestos sheets may contain between 20% and 80% asbestos depending on their function and placement within the building.

The use of asbestos was not restricted in construction in any way until the 1970s. In 1977, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the production of most varieties of asbestos-containing construction materials. However, the ban did not cover existing stocks of such materials, and existing supplies were used in construction until the late 1980s. This means that if you were involved in the manufacture of such products, or in the construction industry, you may potentially have been exposed to asbestos. In addition, any homes or building constructed in or before the 1980s may contain asbestos materials.

If you suspect asbestos may be present in your home, it is important to understand how any why this substance may become dangerous. Asbestos in the home is dangerous only if the materials that contain the substance are old or in poor condition. As long as the materials are intact and in good condition they may be considered safe as long as they are not disturbed in any way. However, this depends on the types of products that are present, and their location in the home. In most cases it is best to get some professional advice regarding the safety of asbestos-containing products, and some professional assistance with their safe removal and disposal.

Asbestos is generally a health hazard only if fibers become airborne and can be breathed into the lungs. Inhaled fibers that become trapped in the lungs can, over time and with repeated exposure, cause diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops only in people who are exposed to asbestos. This is a particularly devastating disease, as there is currently no cure, and effective long-term treatments are not yet available.

The increased incidence of mesothelioma in recent years is particularly tragic because in most cases, asbestos exposure could have been avoided. The health risks associated with asbestos were known as early as 1930, yet many companies chose to ignore the risks, and failed to protect their workers from asbestos. Over the past two decades, many people who had developed mesothelioma as a consequence of asbestos exposure have successfully pursued legal action against such companies, and obtained justice and financial compensation for the pain and suffering they have experienced.

In America, the statute of limitations on such cases is two or three years, depending on the state in which you live. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer without delay, to ensure you can begin legal proceedings within the required time period. Claiming financial compensation not only ensures the company responsible is held accountable for their actions; it can also pay for the costs of medical treatment, replace lost income, and provide some compensation for loss of quality of life.

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