Ceiling Tiles - Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

Many homes and buildings were built with products containing the toxic substance asbestos. With the exception of shipbuilding, the construction industry has been affected by asbestos disease more than any other. Asbestos-containing building materials were often used both inside and outside of homes and commercial buildings, including such common items as ceiling tiles.

Asbestos ceiling tiles were used for much of the 20th century. That is, until the 1970s when the government began issuing warnings and guidelines concerning the use of asbestos products. Ceiling tiles can often be found in many older structures, including schools, office buildings and homes.

Asbestos ceiling tiles were typically used in "suspended" or "drop" ceilings, also known as "acoustic" ceilings. In this configuration, tiles were suspended from a t-bar frame that allowed for an open space between the tiles and roof. This space provided a diminution of noise, which was especially important in school buildings. The space above the ceiling was also used for HVAC equipment, which made it especially hazardous as asbestos fibers could travel through the system and be released into the air.

Unfortunately, before asbestos guidelines were issued, many individuals were exposed to toxic asbestos-containing ceiling tiles. Installers were especially at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers, as it was often necessary to cut, saw, sand and grind the tiles. To make matters worse, most workers at the time did not wear protective gear to prevent contraction of asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos and Legal Options

Anyone who attended or worked in a school that had asbestos ceiling tiles may also have been exposed. Such exposure may have occurred if the repair or replacement of these tiles was done improperly. A number of different companies manufactured asbestos-containing ceiling tiles and some are clearly marked and easy to identify. Others are not so easy to spot, so caution should always be used when removing old ceiling tiles that may contain asbestos.

Contractors and others who were exposed to these items may have already developed asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. Due to the latency period associated with these diseases, some individuals may live several decades before feeling any symptoms. This often results in a diagnosis when the disease is in its latest stages of development.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos exposure, you may have legal options for compensation. For more information, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a free informational packet.

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