If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer be sure to contact us so we can help you.
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What is Asbestos?Asbestos is a fine, silica dust that has the potential to cause the development of a number of asbestos-related diseases if inhaled. Asbestos is present in some building and insulation materials because of its fire/heat-resistant properties and high tensile strength. Asbestos fiber masses tend to break easily into a dust composed of tiny particles that can float in the air and stick to clothes. Asbestos fibers may be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems. Asbestos is the name given to a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, anthophyllite. Before being regulated in 1970, asbestos was commonly used for a variety of industrial purposes, usually as an insulator. Where is Asbestos Found?An estimated 30 million homes, schools and offices are contaminated with asbestos. Construction, repair, or demolition of older structures can lead to asbestos exposure and an asbestos related disease. Until the 1980's, over 3,000 products were made with asbestos, and it's estimated that between 25% and 40% of all homes built before 1981 were constructed from material containing asbestos. Alternative materials, though sometimes more expensive for manufacturers, are available. Asbestos DiseasesAsbestos exposure has been proven capable of causing numerous diseases. These asbestos diseases can be fatal. The more serious of the asbestos diseases linked with exposure to asbestos include: After asbestos exposure, it usually takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to occur. Some people do not experience mesothelioma symptoms for as many as 30 to 40 years. Mesothelioma cancer sometimes causes fluid to collect around the lungs or in the abdomen. Ensuing mesothelioma symptoms may be caused by the fluid or the lung disease itself. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms, oftentimes leading to a misdiagnosis. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
What Products Contain Asbestos?Though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared asbestos a hazardous air pollutant in the 1970's, it is still found in thousands of products. Those products include home construction products, insulation, flooring materials, asbestos friction materials (brake and clutch linings) and textile products. Here is a partial list:
US Government Regulation of AsbestosIn 1989, the EPA announced that it would phase out and eventually ban up to 94% of all products containing asbestos for use in the United States. The decision followed more than a decade of research. The EPA said "asbestos is a human carcinogen and is one of the most hazardous substances to which humans are exposed in both occupational and non-occupational settings." The asbestos industry filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA's ban. In 1991, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the ban despite acknowledging that asbestos is a known carcinogen at any level of exposure. The EPA did not appeal and abandoned the ban. The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that the labeling requirements of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act apply to asbestos products. For more information from the United States Government see the National Cancer Institute's fact sheet on asbestos. Asbestos RemovalThe EPA advises people to hire a certified contractor to remove asbestos. US Law prohibits people from hiring anyone other than a state-certified asbestos contractor to perform asbestos removal work, and cities usually require an ordinance before an asbestos removal project begins. History of Asbestos For a brief history of the useful be deadly mineral see our web page on the history of asbestos. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and think it may be caused by toxic exposure to organic solvents like benzene, and you have legal questions or require legal assistance, contact Paul & Hanley LLP. Our firm has an outstanding track record of success in cases across the country, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion. We've built our reputation on toxic tort litigation representing individuals diagnosed with NHL, mesothelioma and other serious diseases with dignity and respect. We handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case. We understand your case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your family. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Our toll free telephone number is 800 933-2244. We look forward to helping you.
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