Have you or a loved one
been exposed to asbestos? We can help.

Fill the information below to request for information.

Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Although asbestos was extremely popular and broadly used in the late 19th century through the end of the 20th century, the fact is that asbestos has endangered people’s health and is the sole cause of mesothelioma.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is comprised of naturally occurring fibrous minerals contained in rock formations.  Asbestos is valued for its heat resistance, fire resistance, insulation, soundproofing, flexibility, and durability.  There are six different types of asbestos, but one main type (chrysotile) is used in an estimated 90 percent or more of the world’s commercial asbestos products.

From a health perspective, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the World Health Organization (WHO) classify asbestos as a known carcinogen.  Scientific evidence shows that asbestos is responsible for causing asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.  As of 2011, 55 countries have completely banned asbestos.  Many other countries, including the United States, have partially banned asbestos—allowing certain specific asbestos uses.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer that affects the lining (mesothelium) surrounding various organs, such as the lungs, abdomen, and heart.  The most common type of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, affects the lungs and is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.  These fibers can remain permanently in the body.  The long latency of mesothelioma usually delays development until decades after exposure.  There is currently no medical cure for mesothelioma and many patients die relatively soon after being diagnosed.

Asbestos uses

Asbestos had broad uses in shipyards, on ships, in construction, and in household products.  While much of its use in developing countries has been discontinued, it can still be found in older U.S. homes and buildings constructed prior to the 1980s and in old appliances.  Today as developing countries become more industrialized, they use asbestos extensively in their buildings and construction projects.

Asbestos is added to many different types of product materials.  It adds durability to cement, fireproofs shingles and siding, along with insulating against heat and cold.  It is also used in these products:

• Paper products
• Friction products (e.g., brakes, clutches)
• Textiles (e.g., fireproof cloth, suits)
• Insulation (e.g., pipes, boilers, furnaces)
• Gaskets
• Plastics (asbestos-reinforced plastics)
• Appliances
• Cookware
• Hairdryers
• Irons
• Ironing board covers
• Stove mats
• Many other household items