Washington State House Passes Asbestos Labeling Law

The House also passed a bill, 65 to 28, that will require construction sites that use asbestos in their projects to also be clearly labeled. The bill originated in the Washington State Senate by Sen. Andy Billing of Spokane. An amendment offered by Rep. Shelly Short of Addy would have lowered the maximum penalty for failing to properly label asbestos products and construction sites from $10,000 to $1,000, but it did not pass.

According to Rep. Dave Upthegrove of Des Moines, companies that violate the law will be given a warning first and a chance to correct any labeling issues they may have. And, he added, it’s important to remember that the $10,000 is a maximum. The fine will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Even though Short’s amendment wasn’t accepted, she said that had no objection to the idea behind the bill.

“People absolutely have the right to know,” Short said.

Now the bill will need to be signed by Gov. Jay Inslee.

Asbestos is used in almost 3,000 products, including fireproofing and insulation in buildings and shops, insulation for pipes and boilers, putties, caulks, paints, cements, friction products, such as clutch facings and brake linings in cars.

Asbestos poisoning usually occurs when the material is released into the air and the asbestos fibers are then inhaled by the victim. The most dangerous asbestos is friable asbestos, which is contained in fireproofing and various types of insulation. These fibers are difficult for the body to break down.

Asbestos, which is found in hard materials such as in vinyl flooring, is generally contained and rarely released into the air, and therefore, does not pose much of a problem.

If inhaled, asbestos fibers can get into the lungs and can also enter the digestive tract.

Asbestos poisoning can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, digestive system cancer, and asbestosis. The problem with these dangerous asbestos side effects is it can take 15 to 40 years for these diseases to develop.

Those with asbestos exposure are approximately 5 times more likely be diagnosed with lung cancer than those who have not been exposed.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that forms in the thin tissue layer that surrounds the majority of internal organs called the mesothelium. In most mesothelioma patients, it infects the tissue that covers the lungs, called the pleura. It can also infect the tissue in the abdominal region, the heart, and the testicles. Mesothelioma is considered incurable even though there are treatments available for it. Most patients die within 12 months of diagnosis. One of the problems with mesothelioma is that it can take decades for symptoms to appear.

Cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum and other digestive areas increase in those who have been exposed to asbestos, as well as a disease known as asbestosis, where the lung tissue is scarred leading to a decrease in oxygen.

If you or someone you know is suffering from lung cancer, mesothelioma, or other disease you believe is due to asbestos exposure, legal options are available to you. Learn more and get a free consultation regarding a claim’s eligibility at the Mesothelioma Asbestos Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Experienced legal professionals have access to medical experts to assess whether or not your lung cancer or mesothelioma is the result of asbestos exposure, so act now.