Construction Mastics
Among the products often found on lists of products containing asbestos is "construction mastics". "Construction mastics" is a broad category of products that include a wide variety of adhesives and sealants used for many applications in the construction industry. They include floor adhesives, roofing tile adhesives, tile and wall compounds and many other adhesives and sealants that were used in the construction industry for nearly 100 years.
Construction mastics containing asbestos continue to be a significant health risk today. Asbestos containing cements and adhesives were so commonly used throughout the last century that there are few buildings built before 1980 that don't contain them. The biggest danger from construction mastics today is exposure to asbestos dust when those materials are removed or during demolition. The hazard is so great that the EPA advises those who are considering tearing up old carpet or floor tiles to cover it instead if possible, since there is little danger unless the asbestos is uncovered and asbestos fibers are released into the air. In fact, says the EPA, where construction mastics are concerned, the safest thing is to assume that they contain asbestos and follow all precautions recommended for removing asbestos materials when lifting floors, carpets or removing wallboard, panels or wallpaper installed before 1980.
If you were involved in the construction or demolition industries or are involved in demolition or renovation now, there is a good chance that you have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibers in the air. Asbestos exposure has been implicated as the only known cause of mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, the heart and the abdominal cavity. It is invariably fatal, and has no known cure. The true tragedy of the asbestos story, though, is that the industries that made products like construction mastics, cement board, cement tiles and other products with asbestos knew of the hazards of working with asbestos.
Despite their own research and the research of others that showed the dangers to the lungs and other organ systems, those industries made no efforts to warn workers or the general public about the dangers of their products. Had they done so, workers could have taken fairly simple precautions that would have greatly reduced their exposure to asbestos and cut their risk of developing mesothelioma. Because they did not, millions of construction workers, demolition workers, floor layers, roofers and others were exposed to a deadly hazard and have developed excruciating diseases as a result.
Because of their blatant disregard for the health of the American people and their own employees, many of these companies have been successfully sued for their actions. If you are one of those who was exposed to asbestos in your work, or because of products used in your home or workplace, and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease, you may have legal options. There are many lawyers who specialize in working with those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The assistance of an experienced mesothelioma attorney can be invaluable in pinpointing how and where you were exposed to asbestos, and help you get the compensation you deserve for your illness and loss.
In addition, if you believe or know that you were exposed to asbestos in the past or the present, it is important that you make that fact a part of your medical history. One of the major parts of a mesothelioma diagnosis is a history of asbestos exposure. If your doctor is not aware that you may have been exposed to asbestos, your symptoms may be misinterpreted, delaying treatment that could add months or years to your life.
- Early Detection of Mesothelioma Crucial
2008-04-28 13:30:11
When Brandon Benoit suffered a football injury last year, he never dreamed that getting treated for that injury could change his life—and perhaps save it. When Benoit was treated for his injuries ... [read more] - Could Caffeine Help Treat Mesothelioma?
2008-04-24 16:46:33
A mesothelioma research group has discovered that treatment with anti-cancer drug Pemetrexed may be more effective if patients are treated with caffeine before r ... [read more] - Mesothelioma Researchers to Receive Innovator Award
2008-04-24 16:44:14
The Kirk A. and Dorothy P. Landon Foundation, in conjunction with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), has created two new funding opportunities for scientists working on cancer resear ... [read more]
