Calcium Silicate Insulation - Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

In the past, most insulating materials installed during the construction of homes and other buildings contained asbestos fibers. For a long time, asbestos was in frequent use because of its fire resistance and low heat conductivity, making it an ideal insulation for all types of building applications. Even when calcium silicate insulation was first introduced to the market as another potentially effective insulation, asbestos was often used as an additive to calcium silicate insulation in homes and office buildings.

Today, most new insulating materials do not contain asbestos. Laws enacted in the past 20 years have banned asbestos in products that have not historically included the material as an ingredient. Calcium silicate insulation, on the other hand, is still a popular material for insulating new homes, office buildings and innumerous other institutions and complexes.

National authorities on the topic of workplace and environmental safety have not recorded any known incidence of calcium silicate causing a medical condition or illness. However, homes and buildings that were built more than 20 years ago may be insulated with calcium silicate insulation that contains asbestos. This insulation was often used in applications that include insulating pipes, commercial and residential boilers, and was also used in various products such as rope and blankets. All of these insulating materials that contain asbestos are hazardous to your health.

If any asbestos-containing calcium silicate insulation was used in the construction, renovation, or re-insulation of your home, workplace, or any other building you or your family members frequent, you may be in danger of being exposed to the harmful effects of asbestos. Asbestos may not be dangerous as long the insulation is undisturbed and the asbestos remains contained under an appropriate sealant.

When this asbestos-containing calcium silicate insulation is disturbed, it can release millions of deadly asbestos particles into the nearby atmosphere. These particles may remain airborne for quite a long time, and can be re-distributed into the air after they've settled. If you have asbestos-containing insulation in your home, you may already have been exposed to friable particles of asbestos.

Asbestos and Legal Options

The dangers of asbestos were known long before the substance was banned. Tragically, many companies who were aware of the risks did not provide adequate protection for the workers who were exposed to asbestos. Due to the long latency period of diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, it was several decades before large numbers of people developed these conditions.

Because many companies ignored the risks of working with asbestos, people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have the right to pursue financial compensation from the company responsible for their asbestos exposure. Many have already received assistance to help pay for medical expenses. For more information, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a free informational packet.

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