Asbestos Products

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibers that is mined on every continent except Antarctica.  It is a flexible, fire resistant fiber with high tensile strength that has been used for over 3000 years.   Asbestos can be divided into two types, amphibole and serpentine, which differ in structure.   Amphibole forms a chain-like crystal structure and serpentine develops in layered or tiered form.   The majority of the asbestos used in buildings is serpentine.

Asbestos Products

The length of asbestos fibers determines the types of products in which the fibers will be used. The longer asbestos fibers are used in fabrics, usually woven into fireproof garments and the shorter fibers are used for molded materials, such as pipes and gaskets.

In many ways asbestos was considered an ideal material; it resembles fibers such as wool and cotton and yet it is inflammable and acid resistant.  The liquid form of asbestos can be sprayed on parts of vehicles, buildings and clothing of workers for fireproofing.  Asbestos has been placed in office buildings, public buildings, and schools as an insulator.

It is impossible to list all home appliances containing asbestos.  The common trait in the asbestos containing products are that they were (are) used to contain heat.  Older appliances emit asbestos particles that pose a threat to the customer and repairman.

The use of asbestos has declined since the early 1980s.  However, recent studies concluded that asbestos is still a product very much in and around our environment.  Today, asbestos containing materials are used in 20% of all buildings in the United States.  Asbestos continues as an important component of the automobile industry.

Vermiculite Attic Insulation

Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral that is mined and milled.  The ore is exfoliated (expanded by being heated and popped much like popcorn) to produce a lightweight product to be used in agriculture, building products, horticulture or places where insulation is needed.  The expanded vermiculite has an appearance of worm-like accordion shaped pieces.  It is usually gold-brown or metallic in color.

Not all vermiculite contains asbestos; however, products have been made with vermiculite containing asbestos.  For instance the vermiculite extracted from a Libby, Montana mining site contained a naturally produced asbestos named tremolite-actinolite.  Health issues relating to asbestos exposure closed the mine in 1990.

Vermiculite Attic Insulation was marketed to homeowners as being easy to install and providing a savings on home heating and air conditioning costs.  Experts generally suggest that vermiculate attic insulation should be left undisturbed if detected in the home.  Any disturbance can release asbestos back into the air and continue the cycle of exposure.

Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos exposure can cause respiratory diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Fine asbestos fibers are inhaled and injested in the lungs. Some fibers are trapped inside the lungs, causing asbestos related diseases.

Asbestosis is a chronic disease affecting the tissues of the lung.  The primary symptom is shortness of breath. The patient may be treated, but not cured.  Oxygen therapy is administered to relieve the patient's shortness of breath.  Patients with asbestosis have an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a specific cancer that attacks the lining around the lungs, heart, or abdomen.  Often, the cancer will not appear for 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma are often mistaken for normal aging ailments by victims. Typically, the sufferer will experience shortness of breath and chest or back pain. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is difficult to treat.  Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are recommended treatments.

For additional information on asbestos see the National Cancer Institute's asbestos fact sheet.

Legal Questions

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.