Asbestos Products

Paint

The use of asbestos in construction materials was widespread in the twentieth century. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring substance that is highly fire-resistant and an excellent insulator, making it ideal for inclusion in a wide variety of construction products. Asbestos paints typically contained a small amount of asbestos, usually around 5-10%. Asbestos paints were used to add an extra level of insulation and fire protection in both residential and commercial buildings. However, asbestos is also a toxic substance that can cause several lethal lung diseases, and the use of asbestos in most construction materials was banned in the 1970s.

Asbestos exposure over a long period of time is a known cause of lung cancer. It is also known to be the sole cause of a lung disease called asbestosis, and of a type of cancer called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a particularly lethal cancer that affects the lining of the lungs as a result of asbestos inhalation. There is currently no cure for mesothelioma and because of this and the difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma early and accurately, this disease has a very high mortality rate.

In 1977, the American Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of asbestos in most construction products, and the use of asbestos in other industries was more tightly regulated. However, asbestos-containing materials continued to be used in construction until the mid 1980s, as the ban did not cover existing stocks of such materials. Any building construction in or prior to the 1980s may have been built using some asbestos-containing materials.

The presence of asbestos in paint and other construction materials is not necessarily dangerous. If the materials are in good condition, intact and undisturbed, the danger of asbestos fibers becoming airborne is low, meaning they cannot be breathed into the lungs. However, any disturbance in the materials means fibers may become airborne, and this does present a health risk. Disturbance or removal of asbestos-containing materials should only be carried out by a professional.

The highest level of risk of asbestos exposure occurred mainly in the twentieth century to people who worked in industries where asbestos-containing materials were manufactured or used in construction. Even though the risks associated with asbestos exposure were known as early as the 1930s, many companies that used asbestos did not provide their workers with adequate safety equipment, thus exposing thousands of people to dangerous levels of asbestos unnecessarily. Over the past several decades many people have developed mesothelioma and other diseases as a direct result of long term asbestos exposure.

The failure of companies to provide safety equipment for workers is a highly negligent act, and many workers have taken out legal action against such companies, successfully winning lawsuits and settlements to claim financial compensation. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, don't hesitate to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can advise you on how to proceed with legal action.

A mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine when asbestos exposure occurred, and who is ultimately responsible for the exposure. Winning a lawsuit or settlement against the company responsible can provide funds to pay for medical expenses and replace lost income, to help ensure your family's financial stability. Just as important, you are compensated for loss of quality of life, and the company responsible is held accountable for their negligent actions.

Show Your Support

Get Your Own Asbestos      Awareness Wristband
Attention Veterans
Related News