Asbestos is one of the most known causes of man-made cancers. This product, identified over half a century ago as a carcinogen responsible for mesothelioma cancers and other asbestos-related illnesses and deaths is still being manufactured.
Really? YES!
Do you know about asbestos? Do you really know about asbestos?
• 1979-2001 – contributed to 230,000 deaths
• Tied to mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and GI cancers
• 30 people die every day from asbestos-related illness
• IS NOT banned in U.S.
United States consumption increased 35% in 2011. Of the 820 metric tons of asbestos consumed in the U.S. in 2010, 72% was for roofing products.
Where is all this Asbestos?
First of all, it’s everywhere. Home, work, gym, church, grocery, and more. There are few places that it probably doesn’t reside. In newer buildings and dwellings, the chances are decreased, but could still sneak in if you are not conscious of the products used for building.
One in three occupational cancers is believed to be caused by asbestos. Home asbestos exposure is believed to account for thousands of death, as well. Remember…30 people die every day! There is no safe way to be exposed!
Older homes built before the 1970s are more likely to have asbestos in them. Here are some home areas to be wary of:
• Roofing materials, gutters, furnace flu, siding, paint, window putty
• HVAC duct insulation, insulation, wiring & pipe insulation
• Paint, recessed lighting, acoustic ceilings, floor tiles, cement wallboard
• Generators, fertilizers,
• Range hoods, dishwashers, clothes dryers, outlets
After reading this list, it makes you more wonder what is safe.
What about professions?
Many manufacturing, construction, tradesmen, and industry professions are high risk for asbestos exposure.
Manufacturing Construction Tradesmen Industry
Machinists Roofers Shipbuilders Coal miners
Boiler operators HVAC Welders Power plant workers
Sanders Painters Firefighters Iron workers
There are literally hundreds of professions at risk and therefore thousands, possibly millions of people. Actually, it’s estimated there are up to 35 million homes and other building which contain Zonolite, an asbestos-containing insulation.
Zonolite is not the only widespread asbestos product. Touted as the next great scientific discovery for many years, asbestos found its way into many everyday products.
• Vinyl flooring
• Sheetrock
• Paints
• Brake linings
• Oil filters
• Certain piping
• Snow – this was actually used in the Wizard of Oz
Since 90% of mesothelioma cases are linked to this dangerous killer, remember most importantly that asbestos is dangerous. No level is safe, no matter what. Most asbestos abatement professionals agree that if asbestos is present and stable, LEAVE IT ALONE. Asbestos is more dangerous when it becomes unstable. Get away and stay away, if possible.
Mark Kaire has been practicing law in Miami for nearly 30 years. He is dedicated to helping the injured people of Miami receive compensation. Mr. Kaire has been blogging on Miami’s legal issues for many years.