Why Was Asbestos Used?

Mesothelioma~Why Was Asbestos Used?

The primary reason that asbestos was used in building products was as a binder or filler material. It was cheap and easily available. It is stringy and resilient, and thus made a good binder. Its resilience also reduced the breakage of the products between the factory and the worksite. In pipe covering and other materials, asbestos created air pockets which provided heat resistance.

Asbestos was marketed for its "fire resistant" qualities. In reality, at approximately 1200 degrees, asbestos transforms into an inert mineral. Other materials were available, even in the 1930's and thereafter, that could have been used (and, in fact, were used) as substitutes for asbestos without any sacrifice in product integrity or heat resistance. The asbestos industry peddled asbestos as a "magic mineral," creating a demand for the material, without advising of the dangers of asbestos. As a result, thousands of American workers were injured and killed. It was unnecessary and could have been avoided.

Mesothelioma~Why Was Asbestos Used?

Exposed to Asbestos At Home

Mesothelioma~Exposed to Asbestos At Home

Unfortunately, with over 5,000 products containing asbestos, exposure is varied and difficult to pin-point. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can cause injuries. The dangers of asbestos in the home and the risks of developing mesothelioma generally occur due to renovation or repair work in the home (first hand exposure) or contact with individuals working with asbestos (second hand exposure).

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as Para occupational exposure.

Asbestos exposure in the home could have occurred when renovation or repair work was performed. The majority of building products manufactured today do not contain asbestos, however those frequently used prior to 1970 do carry exposure risks. Products such as joint compounds, wallboards, gaskets, fireproofing, pipe covering, cements, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and boiler insulation often contained asbestos. If these products were mixed, grinded, cut, sawed, sprayed, removed or otherwise manipulated, banged or damaged, they could have released significant asbestos fibers into your home. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma, even 15-30 years later.

There have been reported cases of family members developing mesothelioma due to contact with asbestos fibers carried home from at-risk work environments. Workers handling asbestos today must change clothes prior to leaving the workplace, but this was not always the case. Asbestos dust on boots and clothing carried the fibers home, exposing wives and children to asbestos. While mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in those with first hand exposure, there have been reported incidents where family members with second hand asbestos exposure have developed mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma~Exposed to Asbestos At Home

Works have the highest risk for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma~Works have the highest risk for Mesothelioma

With an estimated 5,000 products that contain asbestos, asbestos is present in buildings, cars, factories, ships and houses. It is commonly accepted that the more you are exposed to asbestos, the more at risk you are of getting mesothelioma and lung cancer.

While many uses for asbestos were banned in the mid-1970’s, the risk from exposure continues today due to mesothelioma’s long latency (inactive) period of anywhere between 10 to 50 years. Today, asbestos continues to be a threat to workers exposed through their occupations and in buildings that were erected prior to the ban.

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as Para occupational exposure.

The following occupations present the highest risk for workers exposed to asbestos fibers:

* Pipe Coverers
* Navy Personnel
* Laborers
* Brake Mechanics
* Auto Mechanics
* Millwrights
* Painters
* Plasterers
* Merchant Marine Seamen
* Pipefitters
* Cement Finishers
* Foundry Workers
* Carpenters
* Plumbers
* Roofers
* Sailors
* Navy Yard Workers / Yardbirds
* Paperworkers
* Electricians
* Bricklayers
* Boilermakers
* Machinists
* Lathers
* Insulators
* Welders
* Sheetmetal Workers
* Crane Operators
* Aircraft Mechanics
* Engineers
* Steamfitters
* Masonry Workers
* Longshoremen
* Plantworkers
* Powerhouse Workers
* Railroad Workers
* Inspectors
* Maintenance Workers
* Papermill Workers
* Tapers

The following is a general list provided by the Environmental Protection Agency intended to show the types of materials containing asbestos. It does not include all products containing asbestos.


A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases of mesothelioma. In other cases, the exposures vary and /or have not been investigated thoroughly. If you suffer from mesothelioma symptoms or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have legal rights that can help protect your future and family.

Scores of corporations that manufactured and profited from the sale of asbestos-containing products knew the health hazards as early as the 1920's. During the same period, there were alternatives to asbestos available. Ignoring the deadly risks and repercussions associated with asbestos, corporations chose to sell and recklessly use it through the 1980's. These manufacturers did not advise workers of the dangers of asbestos and consequently, many Americans who have unnecessarily and tragically contracted mesothelioma.

If you worked in a high-risk industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or you have lost someone to an asbestos-related illness, it is your right to seek compensation from those responsible for your situation. While monetary compensation will not alleviate your pain, it will ease the burden of concerns such as medical bills, lost income, continued support for loved ones, and may aid in your situation in many other ways.

Mesothelioma~Works have the highest risk for Mesothelioma