Asbestos containing material has been known as a great insulating and fireproofing agent, but also as an instigator of lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer.

Asbestos first became popular in the 1800s when it was used to line steam engines. Asbestos was a cheap, tough, flexible material that was used extensively during World War II in the shipbuilding industry.

The construction industry got wind of the inexpensive insulator, and massive mines began operating to keep up with asbestos demand. Asbestos containing material included asbestos cement and insulation in buildings and machinery.

Roofing shingles made with asbestos became patented right before the Civil War. Asbestos mines grew as insulation and pipe covering needs increased as well.

How Are People Exposed to Asbestos?

While the United States no longer produces the carcinogen, asbestos is still used in some products, including protective clothing, pipe insulation, brake linings and similar objects that need to be heat- and fire-resistant. Asbestos containing material can only be used in a product if there is no equivalent substitute for it.

Breathing asbestos fibers today probably won’t result in any immediate effects, but 10 to 50 years from exposure is when those fibers have settled into the lungs and cancer can develop. Because of the long period of time between exposure to asbestos containing materials and becoming symptomatic, scientists expect the largest number of asbestos cancer diagnoses will peak between 2015 to 2020 in the U.S.

Even smokers can contract asbestos cancer in their lungs rather than from cigarette smoke. Many asbestos cancer lawyers have won class action lawsuits against companies that exposed workers to asbestos fibers, even when some of the plaintiffs had smoked cigarettes. Compensation to asbestos cancer victims and their families has totaled millions of dollars.

Who Is at Risk?

People employed in certain jobs have traditionally had greater risk of exposure to asbestos containing material. U.S. Navy, U.S. Military, shipyards workers, auto mechanics, paper mill workers, construction workers and linotype technicians could have been exposed at their workplace and not even realize it.

Even family members of these workers could have been exposed to second-hand introduction of deadly asbestos fibers when the workers came home with remnants of asbestos containing material on their clothing, which other family members could shake out to remove the fiber dust and then launder.

Anyone renovating a home built before the 1980s could be exposed if working with insulation, cement, drywall, electrical insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and other construction items. These building materials are normally not a risk in their final state, but once they are cut, the asbestos fibers enter the air where they can be inhaled.

Asbestos Containing Material in Schools

Dangers from asbestos in U.S. school buildings is a real concern as well. Any school built before the 1980s is likely to contain some form of asbestos. Nearly half of all schools were built between 1950 and 1969, when asbestos containing materials were used most often in construction.

Over the years, asbestos materials can deteriorate, allowing asbestos dust to enter the air and be inhaled. Maintenance work can also disturb asbestos particles. Teachers and students are at risk for asbestos problems such as an increased risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer and other serious lung conditions.

The Environmental Protection Agency says that as long as asbestos building materials remain in good condition, they present minimal health risks and recommends that schools leave the materials in place. However, careless maintenance work or improper removal of asbestos can cause serious exposures.

If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos, you could be eligible for compensation through an asbestos class action lawsuit.