Surgeon General: No Safe Level of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Uses

Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber. Because of the strength of the fibers and its heat resistance, asbestos has been used as insulation and fire retardant in construction. While many people are familiar with asbestos in insulation, it has been used in a variety of other building materials, including:

• Roofing shingles
• Vinyl floor tiles
• Heat-resistant fabrics
• Vinyl sheet flooring
• Paint
• Areas around wood-burning stoves

Asbestos is also used in brake pads and clutches.

Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

People may be exposed to asbestos when the materials that contain asbestos are disturbed and release fibers into the air. When a person breathes in asbestos fibers, they run the risk of developing lung disease. Generally speaking, the more asbestos a person is exposed to, the greater the chance of developing asbestos-related health problems. However, symptoms from asbestos exposure take many years to develop and may be difficult to identify. Close to 107,000 people around the world die each year from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

The major health effects that are associated with asbestos exposure are lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos has been banned in 55 countries. Although asbestos is banned in some types of substances, it is not banned outright in the United States. Basically, any products that may result in asbestos fibers being released into the air are banned.

United States Asbestos Laws

Building owners have an obligation to maintain their premises in a safe manner. Because asbestos exposure is associated with serious health risks, building owners must take steps to keep people from being exposed to any asbestos on the premises.

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) lists work practices for demolition and renovation of buildings and structures. The building owner must notify the appropriate state agency before performing any renovations or demolition of a building that may contain asbestos. NESHAP also lists procedures for removing asbestos-containing waste. Workers who handle asbestos must complete a stringent training program. State and local agencies may create more restrictions about asbestos removal than the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The goal of these regulations is to minimize the building occupants’ exposure to the asbestos fibers.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition, you may be able to get compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. Because most health conditions related to asbestos exposure do not develop for several years, it is often difficult to know where you were exposed to asbestos. For this reason, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney who specializes in asbestos lawsuits. To learn more about your legal options, visit our Mesothelioma Asbestos Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation page. Once you submit information about your asbestos injury, an attorney will conduct a free legal evaluation.