Asbestos Wick - Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

Due to its excellent insulating capability, fire-resistance and durability, asbestos was widely used in the construction industry for most of the 20th century. While the physical properties of asbestos made it ideal for construction purposes, it was known to be highly dangerous as early as the 1930s. However, restrictions on the use of asbestos were not in place in the United States until the 1970s, exposing thousands of workers to this toxic substance.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause several deadly diseases, including lung cancer, a lung and respiratory disease called asbestosis, and a rare type of cancer called mesothelioma. These diseases have very long latency periods, meaning that several decades may elapse between exposure to asbestos and the development of symptoms.

In addition, mesothelioma has non-specific symptoms, making accurate diagnosis extremely difficult. Mesothelioma typically affects the lining of the lungs and there is currently no cure for this type of cancer. The only cause of both asbestosis and mesothelioma is the inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Asbestos wick was most commonly used as packing to provide insulation for pipes and pipe systems and around boilers and furnaces. This substance typically contained between 10 and 20 percent asbestos. Anyone who worked in manufacturing industries that produced asbestos wick or related products, or who was involved in the construction industry may have been exposed to asbestos.

Despite the fact that asbestos was known to be a deadly substance early in the 20th century, restrictions on its use were not put in place until four decades later, when the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the production of asbestos-containing construction materials in 1977. In addition, most companies that used asbestos in manufacturing simply ignored the risks that this substance posed to their workers, placing them in great danger of repeated long-term asbestos exposure.

Asbestos and Legal Options

Anyone who worked with or around asbestos may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness. Over the past two decades, many have pursued legal action against the companies who were responsible for their asbestos exposure. Financial compensation obtained via legal action can pay for medical expenses, replace lost income, and compensate for loss of quality of life, as well as physical and emotional suffering.

If you or a loved one has received such a diagnosis, 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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