Request a Free Legal Consultation
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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or died from asbestos exposure, contact us using the form below to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer. Your legal consultation will be free of charge.

The law limits the amount of time after a patient incurs an injury to file suit. The amount of time varies based on the theory of liability and the state in which the patient files the suit. By filling out

the form below you will be connected to a mesothelioma lawyer so you can take legal action as soon as possible.

If you don’t know the actual date, please indicate a range of diagnosis such as within the last 6 months, last year, 2 years or 5 years.

Legal Information
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Asbestos bankruptcy trusts overview
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What is Asbestos?
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > What is Asbestos?

What is Asbestos: Defined

Asbestos is the name for naturally occurring fiber-like minerals. These minerals have been mined and used in different industries since the late 1800s.
What is Asbestos: Uses

Asbestos is usually broken into flexible fibers that can be woven together. It does not conduct heat and electricity very well, so it has mostly been used as an insulator. Asbestos can be used in acoustic

insulation, thermal insulation, fire-proofing materials, and other building materials, like roofing and flooring.

What is Asbestos: Types

There are six different types of asbestos, but only four types have been used commercially. These include chrysotile, amosite, anthophyllite, and crocidolite. You can read more about these in the Types of

Asbestos section of this website.

What is Asbestos: Dangers

Unfortunately, asbestos fibers tend to break easily and form dust. These fibers and dust can be breathed in or swallowed and can stick to clothing. Breathing or swallowing these fibers may result in

mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
What is Asbestos: Legal Issues

The dangers of asbestos have been known since the early 20th Century. Asbestos exposure has injured an entire generation of workers. Still, asbestos has not been completely banned in the United States.

Do you or a loved one have a history of asbestos exposure? Get the basic facts about this dangerous substance and learn more about its health risks in the sections below.

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Everything you need to know about asbestos
From the history of its usage to its safe removal, everything you need to know about asbestos can be found below:

•What is asbestos?
•Types of asbestos
•History of asbestos
•Asbestos uses – Historical & Present
•What products contain asbestos?
•Timeline of key events
•Asbestos companies
•Asbestos Crisis in Libby, Montana
•Asbestos & September 11th
•How can I remove asbestos safely?

The Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Find out common ways in which people are exposed to asbestos, including second-hand exposure. Learn about the various asbestos-related diseases and how you can get tested.

•How are people exposed to asbestos?
•Second hand asbestos exposure
•Asbestos exposure symptoms
•How to reduce asbestos exposure risks
•How can I get tested?
•Asbestos diseases overview
•Mesothelioma
•Lung cancer
•Esophageal cancer
•Gastrointestinal cancer
•Laryngeal cancer
•Pharyngeal cancer
•Asbestosis

Occupations at Risk for Exposure
Workplace exposure is one of the most common causes of asbestos-related disease. Learn more about the industries and jobs at high risk for asbestos exposure.

•Occupational Exposure Overview
•Construction
•Shipbuilding/Shipping
•Manufacturing
•Automotive
•Aerospace
•Railroads
•Metal Craftsman

Types of Asbestos
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Types of Asbestos

Four types of asbestos have been used in products or materials on the market. These are:

•Chrysotile – white asbestos
•Crocidolite – blue asbestos
•Amosite – asbestos with brown fibers
•Anthophyllite – asbestos with gray fibers
Each of these types of asbestos fit into one of two forms: amphibole and serpentine. Amphiboles have brittle, rod-like fibers. Serpentines have flexible, curved fibers. About 90% of all serpentine asbestos

is chrysotile, while the other types of asbestos are amphibole.

Chrysotile is the only type of asbestos still used today. It is less dusty and the human body can get rid of it more easily than it can get rid of the amphibole types of asbestos. Studies confirm that very

few cases of mesothelioma can be attributed to chrysotile.

Amphibole fibers stay in the lungs longer and are more likely to cause mesothelioma and other diseases than the chrysotile type of asbestos. Studies have also shown that amphibole asbestos minerals are more

toxic than chrysotile.

History of Asbestos
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > History of Asbestos

The history of asbestos goes back to Marco Polo’s travels in China. The people he encountered had many different names for asbestos and used it as insulation or braided it into rope. They used the braided

asbestos as indestructible wicks for oil lamps. Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor, made an asbestos napkin that he would “clean” by throwing it into the fire. Because the asbestos would not burn, the

fire would simply burn the waste off the napkin and Charlemagne could reuse it.

The more modern history of asbestos began in the industrial age when use became widespread. Asbestos was used to insulate steam and fire-powered machinery. By the middle of the 20th century, there were

thousands of different uses for asbestos, including fire retardant coatings, concrete, bricks, pipe and ceiling insulation, flooring, and roofing.

A history of asbestos would be incomplete without a mention of its dangers. Pliny the Elder, the Roman historian in the 1st century, noticed that slaves who worked in asbestos mines were less healthy than

others. Pliny noticed that the asbestos caused, primarily, a respiratory disease and suggested that slaves use a respirator made of transparent bladder skin to protect themselves from the dust.

The first documented death related to asbestos came in 1906 and soon medical reports began to identify a mystery tumor. The term mesothelioma entered medical literature in 1931, and by the 1940s, it was

being associated with asbestos. Unfortunately, at the urging of industry, public authorities and medical professionals continued to resist making the connection between mesothelioma and asbestos.

Perhaps one of the most important developments in the history of asbestos came in 1960 when The Lancet, a British medical journal, published an article linking asbestos with mesothelioma and then no one

could deny the connection. Finally, this growing awareness led to some government regulations of asbestos. Contrary to popular belief, asbestos is still not banned in the United States.

Have You Been Exposed to Asbestos?
If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure, you may wish to visit our Testing for Asbestos-Related Illness page. There you will find information on the various medical tests available for

confirming the presence of asbestos-related illnesses and abnormalities.

Asbestos Uses – Historical & Present
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Asbestos Uses – Historical & Present

From ancient times, asbestos was hailed for its strength and fire-and heat-resistant properties. These qualities were declared in the descriptive names given to asbestos through the ages, including “mountain

leather” and “rock floss.” In fact, the word asbestos itself comes from a Greek term meaning “indestructible” or “inextinguishable.”

Archeologists and historians have found evidence of the use of asbestos dating back to 3000 BC, when Egyptians used it to wrap the bodies of the pharaohs. Potters in Scandinavia also used it to reinforce

clay pots. In ancient Rome, asbestos was woven into table linens, which were cleansed by simply tossing them into the fire and then removing them to be used again. The Romans also used asbestos in making

permanent wicks for oil lamps.

Industrial Uses of Asbestos
With the dawning of the industrial age, asbestos was increasingly used as insulation in the United States and Canada. The modern commercial asbestos industry began around 1880 with the discovery of large

deposits of asbestos in Canada and Russia. By World War II, asbestos was used extensively in products such as nonflammable fabrics, packing materials, insulation and cement products.

Additional examples of the historical uses of asbestos include:

•Automotive parts–brake shoes and clutch facings
•Building materials–HVAC and electrical insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, roofing materials, caulking, textured paints, wallboard
•General uses–Small kitchen appliances, paper products, chalkboards, textiles
•Industrial applications–fireproofing materials, boiler and pipe insulation, cooling towers, fire doors, adhesives
By the middle of the 20th century, asbestos was used in thousands of applications, including such unlikely products as cigarette filters. However, evidence of the deadly effects of asbestos exposure

continued to mount. In the 1970s, use of the substance sharply declined as the U.S. government placed a freeze on the production of most asbestos products.

Over the years, the following asbestos-containing products have been banned in the U.S.: flooring felt, floor tile, shingles, automotive brake parts, rollboard and corrugated, commercial, or specialty paper.

New uses in products that have not historically contained asbestos are also forbidden. Today, those products that still contain asbestos must be labeled as such, according to federal law.

•Early history of asbestos
•Timeline of asbestos history

What Products Contain Asbestos
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > What Products Contain Asbestos

Asbestos fibers can be found in thousands of products. These fibers have been used for many years for their thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and strength. The chart below lists some of the

many products that contain asbestos fibers.

Acoustical Plaster
Adhesives
Asphalt Floor Tile
Base Flashing
Cement Pipes
Cement Wallboard
Cement Siding
Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.)
Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels
Chalkboards
Cooling Towers
Caulking/Putties
Decorative Plaster
Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections
Electrical Panel Partitions
Elevator Brake Shoes
Electrical Cloth
Elevator Equipment Panels
Fire Blankets
Fire Curtains
Fireproofing Materials
Fire Doors Flooring Backing
Heating and Electrical Ducts
High-Temperature
Gaskets
Insulation
-Blown-in Insulation
-Boiler Insulation
-Breaching Insulation
-Spray-Applied Insulation
-Pipe Insulation
-Electric Wiring Insulation
-HVAC Duct Insulation Joint Compounds
Laboratory Hoods/Tabletops
Laboratory Gloves
Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations)
Roofing Felt
Roofing Shingles
Spackling Compounds
Textured Paints/Coatings
Thermal Paper Products
Taping Compounds (thermal)
Vinyl Floor Tile
Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Vinyl Wall Coverings
Wallboard

 

 

If you have ever worked in a job where you manufactured or handled these types of products on a regular basis, you may have inhaled asbestos fibers. If you plan to make any home repairs involving any of

these materials, you may want to take extra precautions to protect yourself from any possible asbestos fibers in the process.

Timeline of Key Events
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Timeline of Key Events

Asbestos Timeline of Key Events

3000 BC – Earliest known uses of asbestos in Egypt and Scandinavia, according to archeological digs.

2000 BC – Egyptians use asbestos to make burial shrouds.

50 AD – Pliny the Elder, a Roman scholar, coins the name asbestos and describes illnesses in slaves who wove the mineral into fireproof cloth.

1828 – First U.S. patent for asbestos is issued.

1860s – Use of asbestos in industry and construction expands dramatically.

1890s – Asbestos is used as a raw material in large manufacturing operations, exposing large numbers of workers to asbestos dust for the first time.

1900 – A London doctor discovers asbestos fibers in the lungs of a textile factory worker who died from severe pulmonary fibrosis at age 33.

1900-1910 – Lung disease is reported among asbestos milling and manufacturing workers.

1918 – A report is released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that reveals abnormal early deaths among asbestos workers.

1918 – An official from Prudential Insurance Company notes that life insurance companies will refuse coverage for asbestos workers as a result of the dangerous working conditions of the industry.

1924 – The first clear case of death due to asbestosis was published in The British Medical Journal.

1926 – The Massachusetts Industrial Accidents Board processes the first successful Workers’ Compensation claim.

1930 – Major asbestos company Johns-Manville produces a report, for internal company use only, about medical reports of asbestos worker fatalities.

1931 – England adopts regulations to reduce workers’ exposure to asbestos.

1932 – Letter from U.S. Bureau of Mines to asbestos manufacturer Eagle-Picher calls asbestos dust “one of the most dangerous dusts” known to man.

1933 – Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. doctors determine that 29 percent of workers in a Johns-Manville plant have asbestosis. Company settles in lawsuits brought by 11 of those employees.

1934 – A chapter in Aetna Insurance’s Attorney’s Textbook of Medicine notes that asbestosis is an incurable disease that typically disables and then kills its victims.

1934 – Johns-Manville and Raybestos-Manhattan edit the report of a Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. doctor to minimize the danger of asbestos dust.

1935 – Several asbestos companies agree to sponsor research on the health effects of asbestos dust, provided that the companies maintain complete control over disclosure of results.

1942 – An internal Owens-Corning corporate memo refers to medical literature on the lung and skin hazards of asbestos.

1949 – An internal, confidential Exxon memo documents a case of employee lung cancer caused by asbestos.

1951 – Asbestos companies remove all references to cancer before allowing publication of research they sponsor.

1952 – Johns-Manville medical director Dr. Kenneth Smith recommends that warning labels be attached to products containing asbestos. His recommendation was ignored.

1952-1956 – Kent cigarettes use crocidolite asbestos in their Micronite filter.

1958 – An internal office memo at National Gypsum Co. declares, “Just as certain as death and taxes…if you inhale asbestos dust, you get asbestosis.”

1964 – The Journal of the American Medical Association publishes a study of asbestos workers, revealing that people who work with asbestos-containing materials have a greater-than-normal incidence of

asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

1966 – First U.S. asbestos product liability lawsuit is filed in Beaumont, Texas against 11 asbestos makers. Sick worker who filed lost the case.

1970 – Congress approves Clean Air Act, allowing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin regulating asbestos as a hazardous air pollutant.

1971 – Federal court verdict against asbestos makers is the first awarding damages to a worker to be upheld on appeal.

1972 – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets workplace asbestos exposure limits, which are strengthened two years later.

1973 – The EPA bans spray-on asbestos insulation as an air pollution hazard.

1973 – An industry expert forecasts that approximately 25,000 past and present employees will die of asbestos-related diseases. He also confirms, “…the good news is that despite all the negative articles on

asbestos health that have appeared in the press over the past half-dozen years, very few people have been paying attention.”

1976 – Asbestos production in the United States hits all-time high at more than 1 million tons per year.

1978 – In the face of evidence that some asbestos companies conspired as early as 1930 to suppress knowledge of asbestos hazards, a judge rules there had been “a conscious effort” by the asbestos industry to

suppress information on the dangers of asbestos in order to avoid lawsuits.

1979 – The EPA announces intention to ban all uses of asbestos and begins advising building owners and industry about the handling of asbestos.

1981 – A handwritten note on an internal Dow (Chemical Company) office memo states, “We are in trouble, and would be more so if we had an investigation. We need a crash program.”

1982 – Under authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA issues the first regulation intended to control asbestos in schools.

1982-89 – New federal and state laws are enacted to protect schoolchildren and workers from asbestos in public buildings.

1986 – Congress approves the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. OSHA tightens asbestos-exposure standard.

1989 – After a 10-year study, the EPA announces that it will phase out and ban almost all products containing asbestos. The specific asbestos-containing products that remain banned are: flooring felt,

rollboard, and corrugated, commercial, or specialty paper. In addition, the EPA regulation continues to ban asbestos in products that have not historically contained asbestos.

1991 – Federal appeals court in New Orleans overturns asbestos ban.

1994 – OSHA tightens asbestos-exposure standard.

1999 – Florida Supreme Court rules that Owens Corning willfully withheld information about the dangers of working with its asbestos products.

2001 – The collapse of the World Trade Center twin towers in a terrorist attack unleashes a toxic cloud containing “astronomical” levels of asbestos dust.

2001 – Despite overwhelming evidence of its dangers, asbestos is still not completely banned. Over 29 million pounds were imported for use in products throughout the U.S. this year.

2003 – Federal judge orders chemicals and materials company W.R. Grace to repay the government $54.5 million. This was the amount spent investigating and cleaning up asbestos contamination in Libby, Montana,

where the company owned and operated a vermiculite mine and processing facilities from 1963 to 1992.

2003 – The EPA launches a national consumer awareness campaign to educate homeowners about vermiculite attic insulation, which may contain asbestos.

2004 – S. 2290 (Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2004 – FAIR) is introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch. Under the bill, the government would establish a national, privately-funded trust fund for

victims of asbestos-related diseases. Versions of this bill were also proposed in 2005 and 2006, but it never became law.

2008 – The U.S. House of Representatives introduces the bill H.R. 6903, the “Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008,” designed to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce

health risks from asbestos-containing projects and to support public asbestos education initiatives. The bill is named after Bruce Vento, a former politician who died of mesothelioma in 2001.

Asbestos Companies
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Asbestos Companies

Jobs in the mechanical, construction and shipbuilding industries are most often linked to asbestos exposure. Evidence shows that some asbestos companies knew the truth about the life-threatening dangers of

asbestos, but hid it from their workers for the sake of protecting their profits. The list below reflects only a small sampling of companies that have become associated with asbestos exposure over the years.

ACandS, Inc.
Amatex
A.P. Green Services, Inc.
Asbestos Corporation Limited
Ari-Zonolite Company
Atlas Turner, Inc.
Bell Asbestos Mines Ltd.
California Zonolite
Carey-Canada
Carlisle Corporation
C.C. Moore & Co. Engineers
Celotex
Continental Maritime Industries, Inc.
Dana Corporation
Duffy, Inc.
Federal Mogul
Garlock, Inc.
Halliburton
Hanson Permanente Cement, Inc.
Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
Kaiser Gypsum Company, Inc.
L.H. Butcher Company
Macarthur Company
Manville Corporation (formerly Johns-Manville Corporation)
Metalclad Insulation Corporation
National Gypsum
North American Refractories Company
O.M. Scott & Sons
Plant Insulation Company
Pneumo Abex Corporation
Quigley Company, Inc.
Quintec Industries, Inc.
Rapid American Corporation
Robinson Insulation Company
Standard Insulation
Supreme Perlite Company
Texas Vermiculite Company
The Anchor Packing Company
T&N PLC
Unarco
United States Gypsum Company
UNR Industries
Vermiculite Northwest, Inc.
Vermiculite of Hawaii
Waldron
Western Asbestos Company
Western Macarthur Company
Western Mineral Products Company
W.R. Grace
Zonolite Company

Known Asbestos Contamination Sites in the U.S.

In partnership with state health department officials, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has identified 28 former U.S. asbestos manufacturing locations as priority sites for

community-wide assessments of asbestos-related disease. These locations received 80 percent of asbestos mined at the W.R. Grace vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana during the period of 1964 to 1990. Several

years ago, the ATSDR reported that Libby had asbestosis death rates up to 80 times higher than expected and lung cancer death rates up to 30 times higher than expected.

28 Government-Listed Asbestos Contamination Sites

Company:
Ari-Zonolite Company
W.R. Grace
California Zonolite/ W.R. Grace
W.R. Grace
W.R. Grace
Western Mineral Products Company
Zonolite Company/ W.R. Grace
Vermiculite of Hawaii
W.R. Grace
Zonolite Company/ W.R. Grace
Zonolite Company/ W.R. Grace
Zonolite Company/W.R. Grace & Company
Zonolite Company/ W.R. Grace
Zonolite Company/ W.R. Grace
Western Mineral Products Company
Zonolite Company/ W.R. Grace
Western Mineral Products Company
Celotex
Zonolite Company/ W.R. Grace
Robinson Insulation Company
Zonolite Company/ W.R. Grace
O.M. Scott & Sons
Supreme Perlite Company
Vermiculite Northwest, Inc./ W.R. Grace
Zonolite Company/ W.R. Grace
W.R. Grace
Texas Vermiculite Company/ W.R. Grace
Vermiculite Northwest, Inc./ W.R. Grace
Location:
Glendale, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Glendale, CA
Newark, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Denver, CO
Tampa, FL
Honolulu, HI
West Chicago, IL
Wilder, KY
New Orleans, LA
Easthampton, MA
Beltsville, MD
Dearborn, MI
Minneapolis, MN
St Louis, MO
Omaha, NE
Edgewater, NJ
Hamilton Township, NJ
Minot, ND
Weedsport, NY
Marysville, OH
Portland, OR
Portland, OR
Ellwood City, PA
New Castle, PA
Dallas, TX
Spokane, WA

To learn about the history of asbestos, asbestos side effects, asbestos testing, and more, visit our main Asbestos Information section.

Asbestos Crisis in Libby, Montana
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Asbestos Crisis in Libby, Montana

The Asbestos Crisis in Libby, Montana

Asbestos has affected the health and lives of thousands of people across the nation. But few regions have experienced the devastation felt by one small American town. In Libby, Montana, asbestos is blamed

for a staggering number of deaths and has left a toxic legacy that still plagues its residents today.

Vermiculite: Big Business in Libby

Vermiculite, a mineral known for its heat-resistant properties, was discovered in the Libby region in 1916 by E.N. Alley. Alley formed a company to begin the commercial production of vermiculite, and by

1926, his plant was producing up to 100 tons of “Zonolite” per day. In 1963, W.R. Grace, a specialty chemicals supplier, purchased the company and increased Zonolite production.

Over the next three decades, W.R. Grace shipped millions of tons of vermiculite ore across the country to various manufacturers. It was used to make thousands of commercial products, everything from lawn

fertilizer to insulation. Nearly 80 percent of the world’s vermiculite originated from Libby, and W.R. Grace’s mine employed nearly 2,000 people while it was in operation.

Asbestos is Linked to Libby’s High Death Rate

W.R. Grace closed down its Libby vermiculite mine in 1990 for economic reasons. Nearly nine years later, a Seattle newspaper reporter published several articles about the high rate of deaths and illness

exhibited by the people of Libby. The articles revealed that nearly 200 had died and another 375 had been diagnosed with fatal diseases like mesothelioma—all attributed to asbestos exposure.

In response to media stories, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set out to investigate the asbestos contamination in Libby. It was discovered that vermiculite deposits at W.R. Grace’s former

mine contained tremolite, a rare and highly toxic form of asbestos. The EPA launched a massive, multi-million dollar cleanup effort in 2000 which involved removing asbestos-laced soil and other materials in

and near Libby.

Company Hid the Dangers of Asbestos

For employees at the W.R. Grace mine and for the residents of Libby, asbestos exposure was a part of daily life. Airborne particles from the mine created a perpetual, hazy smoke that drifted above the town.

Fine asbestos dust coated the roofs of cars, the grass, and even children’s playgrounds.

Despite early warnings that exposure may cause respiratory problems, documents show that W.R. Grace decided not to let its customers know about asbestos dangers. In 1977, the company issued a confidential

memo that stated there was “no evidence of any adverse effects of our products on consumers… neither can we offer convincing evidence that they are absolutely safe.”

In 2005, the U.S. Government began a criminal conspiracy prosecution of W.R. Grace and several former employees. The government alleged that the company knew of the risks of asbestos exposure but knowingly

hid this knowledge from employees and residents. W.R. Grace and the other accused individuals were acquitted of all charges in 2009. However, despite this verdict, many still believe the company was fully

aware that it was contaminating the town of Libby for years.

In 2008, W.R. Grace agreed to pay $250 million to reimburse the federal government for the costs of the Libby investigation and asbestos cleanup. That same year, a $60 million civil settlement was reached

between the company and numerous homeowners and businesses affected by its asbestos-contaminated insulation products.

The EPA Declares a Public Health Emergency
On June 17, 2009, the EPA declared the Libby asbestos contamination as its first public health emergency, and announced that the government will provide an additional $130 million dollars in cleanup and

medical assistance. The asbestos pollution in Libby is now linked to over 200 deaths and more than 1,000 illnesses.

Since symptoms of asbestos-related disease often do not emerge for 20 to 40 years, Libby victims are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma and other life-threatening conditions. The full extent of the

damage is still unknown, and for residents of Libby and nearby towns, the threat of danger remains.

Asbestos & September 11th
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Asbestos & September 11th

On September 11, 2001, the world watched, shocked and horrified, as terrorists hijacked and crashed four commercial jetliners in a carefully coordinated attack on the United States. The first two planes hit

the two World Trade Center towers, while another targeted the Pentagon. An attempt to crash a fourth plane into the U.S. Capitol was thwarted by passengers before it crashed into a field in Pennsylvania,

killing everyone on board.

While a tragic loss of life occurred in all four incidents, the devastation and destruction at the World Trade Center reached catastrophic proportions. In the end, 2,992 lives were reported to have been lost

on 9/11. But that number doesn’t account for the health crisis and toll on human life that unfolded in the months and years following the attack.

The Asbestos – 9/11 Link

When construction began on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in 1968, workers fireproofed the buildings with a sprayed-on slurry mixture of asbestos and cement. The New York City Council banned this

practice in 1971, and some attempts at removal and abatement of asbestos followed. Unfortunately, hundreds of tons of the material had already been applied, and most of it remained in place prior to the 9/11

terrorist attacks.

When the World Trade Center collapsed on that fateful day, it generated an estimated 1 million tons of dust in a cloud that fell on the 16-acre disaster zone and blew southward, leaving a toxic trail in its

wake. In the hours and days after the attack, the cloud of noxious dust found its way through windows and ventilation ducts in more than 2,000 buildings in lower Manhattan.

For months after 9/11, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continued to insist that the dust contained few contaminants and posed little health risk. Similar reassurances were issued by the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York City Department of Health. However, reality told a far different story:

extensive testing conducted by the owners of Deutsche Bank revealed high levels of asbestos in the dust that surrounded New York City.

Asbestos-Related Health Problems Affect Thousands Post-9/11

Forty-thousand emergency workers who responded to the scene at Ground Zero were exposed to toxic asbestos dust. Thousands of others–residents, students, and office workers–were also exposed. In many parts

of Lower Manhattan, asbestos levels measured higher than those found in Libby, Montana–the well-known site of one of the worst cases of asbestos contamination in U.S. history.

Despite early assurances that the air at Ground Zero was safe, 62% of the people caught in the dust cloud after the collapse suffered ongoing respiratory problems, according to an April 2006 report by the

Centers for Disease Control. Another 46% of those who lived or worked in the area but didn’t come in contact with the dust cloud also experienced consistent respiratory ailments.

Since the symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases usually do not appear until many years after asbestos exposure, the number of cases related to the attacks of 9/11 is not yet known.

However, the alarming rate of respiratory problems among those exposed to the air at Ground Zero appears to indicate a health crisis that will continue to unfold for years to come.

How Can I Remove Asbestos Safely?
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > How Can I Remove Asbestos Safely?

This section discusses asbestos treatment as it relates to the handling and removal of asbestos in your home. It also addresses the government regulations in place to protect workers and their families from

asbestos exposure in the workplace.

Asbestos in the Home

For asbestos materials in the home, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends leaving materials in good condition alone. They suggest inspecting material regularly for damage without hitting,

rubbing, or handling it. If the material is damaged or if you want to make repairs in your home that may damage it, the EPA recommends hiring an experienced asbestos-treatment professional. Experienced

asbestos treatment professionals can take samples for analysis and can tell you whether you need to repair or remove the materials. The EPA recommends that any repairs or removal of asbestos materials should

be done only by a trained asbestos treatment professional.

Asbestos in the Workplace

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has enforced specific asbestos exposure regulations for the work environment since 1972. Certain general OSHA standards for safety in the workplace

also apply to asbestos treatment in the workplace. Employers are required to provide a workplace free of known hazards that may cause physical harm.

Some of the specific asbestos regulations enforced by OSHA include:

•Isolating the source of asbestos
•Using ventilation systems
•Limiting the amount of time workers are exposed
•Providing showers for workers
•Providing proper respiratory protection
•Providing protective clothing for workers
To learn about the History of Asbestos asbestos side effects, asbestos testing, and more, visit our main Asbestos Information section.

How are people exposed to asbestos?
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > How are people exposed to asbestos?

People who work with asbestos-containing materials on a regular basis account for the highest levels of asbestos exposure. Certain jobs and work environments, like mining, factory work, ship building, and

construction work, are more likely to result in asbestos exposure than others. Studies have even shown that the family members of asbestos workers have suffered asbestos exposure from fibers brought home on

the workers’ clothing. In fact, second hand asbestos exposure is increasingly being recognized as a direct cause of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other types of serious asbestos-related illnesses.

Asbestos exposure can also occur in the home from building materials wearing down and releasing fibers into the air. It can occur among people who live near an asbestos mine. Drinking water may even contain

asbestos fibers. This happens when:

•Fibers erode from natural deposits or piles of waste asbestos and enter the water
•Fibers enter water from asbestos-containing cement pipes used to carry drinking water
•Water is filtered through asbestos-containing filters.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water suppliers to test water samples regularly. Suppliers must notify the public via newspapers, radio, TV, and other means if levels are higher than

allowed.

The biggest risk factor for developing the deadly cancer mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. The risk is directly related to how much exposure a person had and the length of time the person was exposed to

asbestos.

The American Cancer Society advises that the best way to protect yourself and your family from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health problems is to limit asbestos exposure at home and at work.

Educating yourself about the kinds of products and environments commonly associated with asbestos may help you determine your risk. If you believe or know you have been exposed to asbestos, be sure to tell

your doctor. Frequent check-ups and asbestos disease testing are vital tools for staying one step ahead of asbestos-related health problems.

Secondhand asbestos exposure
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Secondhand asbestos exposure

The health risks of coming into direct contact with asbestos are widely known today. But it’s only in the last few years that the dangers of secondhand asbestos exposure have become apparent.

Secondhand asbestos exposure occurs when a person is indirectly exposed to asbestos through either a household member or the environment. It is increasingly being recognized as a direct cause of

mesothelioma, lung cancer and other types of serious asbestos-related illnesses.

In the Household
One common scenario for secondhand asbestos exposure is when a person lives with someone who handles asbestos or asbestos products at work. In many industrial settings, even as late as the 1970s, there were

no showers or changing areas for asbestos workers. Instead, workers had no choice but to carry the white asbestos dust home on their clothes, shoes and hair. When their children would hug them—or when their

wives would move, sort and wash their clothes—the carcinogenic particles would be released into the air, exposing the entire household to its dangers.

In 2003, a jury in Alameda County, California awarded $6.5 million to a 61 year-old woman who was dying of mesothelioma. Her illness was attributed to secondhand exposure to asbestos suffered between the

ages of 4 to 7, when her parents carried the dust home on their clothing from their shipyard jobs each day. The steel production company that the woman’s parents had worked for was found negligent and

ordered to pay her compensatory damages.

Today, there are federal laws in place designed to decrease the risk of secondhand asbestos exposure in the home. Some workplaces may ask their employees to store and wash their street clothes separately

from their work clothes. Other facilities mandate that workers shower and change their clothes before they go home to their families.

In the Environment

Secondhand asbestos exposure can also happen when a person lives close to a source of asbestos.

Chemicals and materials manufacturer W.R. Grace mined and produced asbestos for many years in Libby, Montana—without abiding by proper safety procedures. The company’s mining and processing activities

caused large amounts of asbestos-laced dust to billow out over residential homes, businesses and schools, covering the community in a smoky, toxic haze. Even worse, asbestos tailings from the W.R. Grace

mine were used as fill for playgrounds, driveways and gardens.

As a result of W.R. Grace’s operations, Libby and its neighboring town of Troy became heavily contaminated with asbestos for decades. Federal prosecutors say this contamination has resulted in over 2,000

deaths and 1,000 illnesses of mine workers, their families and other area residents. W.R. Grace closed down its mining operations in 1990, and has since paid millions of dollars in medical bills for

residents who became ill from first- and secondhand asbestos exposure. The overwhelming number of asbestos injury lawsuits resulting from the company’s mining activities eventually forced it to seek

bankruptcy protection in 2001.

Other sources of asbestos include refineries, power plants, factories, shipyards, steel mills and building demolition sites. The massive volumes of asbestos dust produced by many of these facilities can

contaminate the air, soil, and water long after they’ve shut down, leaving behind a toxic legacy for unsuspecting residents who have settled there to work and raise families.

Do You Have a History of Secondhand Asbestos Exposure?
Like firsthand exposure to asbestos, the symptoms related to secondhand asbestos exposure may not emerge for 10 to 40 years after the initial exposure. If you believe you may have been indirectly exposed to

asbestos in the home or in the environment, you may wish to talk to your doctor about your health risks.

Asbestos exposure symptoms
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Asbestos exposure symptoms

One of the most frightening things about the symptoms of asbestos exposure is that they can appear 10, 20 or even 40 years after an individual has been exposed. When clinical symptoms do become apparent,

they may closely resemble those related to other health problems. Asbestos exposure symptoms can vary widely from person to person, depending on how long they were exposed for and how much damage the

substance has done to their body.

Below are some common symptoms of asbestos exposure:

•Shortness of breath that gets progressively worse
•Wheezing
•Dry cough that worsens over time
•Chest pain
•Dry “crackling” sound in the lungs when inhaling or upon examination
•Unexplained weight loss
•Loss of appetite
•General fatigue (anemia)
•Failure of the right side of the heart, called cor pulmonale
•Frequent lung infections
•“Clubbing” of the ends of the fingers and toes
•Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the fingers and lips
In cases where individuals have been exposed to very high concentrations of asbestos fibers for a prolonged period of time, symptoms may include the production of sputum, which is mucus that is coughed up

from the lungs.

What Factors Affect the Development of These Symptoms?

It is important to understand that being exposed to asbestos does not automatically mean you will develop symptoms of asbestos exposure or get seriously ill. There are a number of factors to be considered

in evaluating your risk for asbestos-related health problems. These factors include:

•How long ago you were exposed to asbestos
•Where you were exposed (the source)
•The amount (dose) of asbestos you were exposed to
•The duration (how long) of your exposure
•The frequency of your exposure
•The size, shape and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers
•Whether or not you currently smoke cigarettes – asbestos exposure combined with smoking increases your risk for developing lung cancer
•Whether or not you have pre-existing lung conditions or other health problems
Are You Experiencing Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure?

If you are experiencing any of the asbestos exposure symptoms described above, you may wish to contact your doctor. He or she may recommend a thorough physical examination as well as a chest x-ray or other

tests. Using your medical history, symptoms and test results, your doctor will be able to identify early signs of asbestos-related disease and advise you on an appropriate path of medical treatment.

How to reduce asbestos exposure risks
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > How to reduce asbestos exposure risks

Asbestos exposure symptoms are now widely recognized among those who work with asbestos; however, people who work with asbestos materials on a regular basis are not the only ones in danger. Family members of

asbestos workers have also suffered asbestos exposure symptoms when they inhaled asbestos fibers brought home on the clothing of an asbestos worker. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

now regulates asbestos exposure in workplaces, which helps protect workers and their family members.

In addition to asbestos fibers brought home on the clothing of workers, asbestos-containing materials in homes may also contribute to asbestos exposure symptoms among those who do not work with the materials

on a regular basis. If asbestos materials in the home are disturbed, they may release fibers into the air and anyone in the family may be at risk. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends leaving

asbestos-containing materials alone if they are in good condition to decrease the danger of exposure. If the material is damaged, the EPA recommends hiring a professional to repair or remove it to protect

your family from asbestos exposure symptoms.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATDSR) recommends the following steps to help reduce the risk of asbestos exposure symptoms at home:

•Wash your hands and face regularly, especially before meals, to remove possible asbestos fibers
•Regularly clean up dust and soil brought into your home-it may contain asbestos fibers
•Use door mats to catch soil and remove shoes before entering the house so as not to track dirt possibly containing fibers into the house
•Plant grass and shrubs in bare areas of the yard to limit soil being brought into the home
While studies show there are no short-term asbestos exposure symptoms, the long-term effects include cancer and other chronic illnesses. Asbestos exposure symptoms may take up to 40 years to appear after

exposure.

How can I get tested?
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > How can I get tested?

If you are exhibiting symptoms of an asbestos-related illness, your doctor will likely begin by taking your complete medical history, including any known exposure to asbestos. He or she may then conduct a

thorough physical examination, focusing on areas of pain or discomfort that may indicate the presence of mesothelioma. Based on the information gathered in the history and physical, your doctor may order

special tests to assist in a mesothelioma diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, other tests may be used to evaluate the location and extent of the disease and to track the effectiveness of treatment.

Tests used in the diagnosis and monitoring of asbestos-related illnesses include:

Chest X-ray. This is often the first test used in the diagnosis of asbestos-related illness, particularly if the patient has shortness of breath or a persistent cough. A chest X-ray may show abnormalities

associated with pleural mesothelioma, including pleural thickening, calcium deposits, or changes in the lung structure due to asbestos exposure.

Computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes multiple images of the body. These images are enhanced through the use of a contrast dye, which is either injected into the patient or

taken orally. A computer then combines the individual pictures to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the part of the body that is being studied. With respect to mesothelioma, CT scans are helpful

in determining whether or not the cancer is present, its exact location, and the extent of its spread throughout the body. Additionally, CT scans can provide insights as to whether or not a mesothelioma

treatment has been helpful in shrinking a tumor or slowing the cancer’s spread.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. In a PET scan, the patient is injected with glucose (a form of sugar) containing a radioactive atom. Cancer cells in the body absorb this “radioactive sugar.” A

special camera is then used to tell the doctor where radioactivity is present in the body, indicating areas that may contain cancer. Although a PET scan does not provide the highly detailed image that a CT

scan does, it can be useful in determining if a cancer has spread, or metastasized.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is a sophisticated soft-tissue scanning tool that uses strong magnets and radio waves instead of X-rays. With an MRI, the patient is placed in a large cylindrical tube

while an imaging machine slowly “scans” their body to provide detailed images of internal soft tissue. In some cases, an MRI can be useful in pinpointing the location and size of a tumor. For patients with

mesothelioma, it can also help doctors determine if the cancer has penetrated through the diaphragm into the abdomen.
Biopsy. In a biopsy, a surgeon removes a sample of suspicious tissue that will later be carefully examined under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be performed in different ways, depending on the

location of the abnormality. In some cases, tissue samples may be obtained through relatively simple outpatient procedures, while other patients may require more complex surgery in the chest or abdomen.

Below are several types of biopsy methods that may be used in testing for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses:

•Needle biopsy: A long, hollow needle is inserted through the skin and into the pleura (lining of the lungs) to remove a small sample of the tumor for testing.
•Thoracoscopy: A thin, lighted tube with a small video camera on the end is inserted through a small incision in the chest wall, and pieces of tissue are removed for testing.
•Laparoscopy: A flexible tube containing a tiny video camera is inserted into the abdomen through small incisions on the front of the abdomen, and small pieces of a peritoneal tumor are removed for testing.
•Mediastinoscopy: While a patient is under general anesthesia, a hollow, lighted tube is inserted behind the breastbone. Special instruments are used to take tissue samples from lymph nodes.
•Surgical biopsy: A surgeon opens up the entire chest (thoracotomy) or abdominal cavity (laparotomy) to obtain large portions of a tumor or in some cases, the entire tumor.
•Bronchoscopic biopsy: A long, flexible fiber-optic tube called a “bronchoscope” is passed down the throat, allowing the doctor to examine the patient’s main airways for tumors.
Blood tests. When a person has mesothelioma, they often have higher levels of certain proteins in their blood than healthy patients. While these elevated levels do not mean that mesothelioma is present,

they do increase the possibility of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Blood testing is also used following a mesothelioma diagnosis to help the doctor understand the extent of the disease and determine how well

vital organs—such as the kidneys and liver—are functioning. It can also be useful in following a patient’s progress during and after mesothelioma treatment.

Pulmonary function tests. After a mesothelioma diagnosis is made, a doctor may perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess how well the patient’s lungs are functioning. This test will give the doctor

or surgeon a good idea of whether surgery is a safe option. It will also indicate how much lung tissue can be removed without causing long-term breathing problems for the patient.

Asbestos disease overview
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Asbestos disease overview

Evidence of asbestos-related diseases has been around since the 1st century A.D., when the Roman historian Pliny the Elder noted that asbestos miners had poorer health than other slaves. However, the first

recorded cases of asbestos disease in the United States were not diagnosed until 1935. Since then, medical research has linked asbestos exposure to numerous life-threatening illnesses and conditions.

This section of our website provides in-depth information on the specific causes, symptoms, treatments and prognoses for the following asbestos diseases:

•Mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a very serious form of cancer affecting the smooth lining of the chest, lungs, heart and abdomen. Between 2,000 and 3,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma are

diagnosed in the U.S. each year – and this number continues to rise. Learn more >
•Asbestosis. Asbestosis is a breathing disorder caused by the prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. Once they become embedded in the tissue of the lungs, the fibers cause severe inflammation that can

lead to scarring, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain and other symptoms. Learn more >
•Lung Cancer. One of the most dangerous potential consequences of asbestos exposure is lung cancer. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos are five times more likely to develop lung cancer than

those who have not been exposed. If those individuals are also smokers, their risk is even greater. Learn more >
•Gastrointestinal Disease. Although rare, asbestos-related gastrointestinal disease is a serious concern for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos. In the earlier stages, asbestos-related gastrointestinal

cancer has no obvious symptoms, but symptoms may develop as the disease progresses. Learn more >
•Laryngeal Disease. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may become lodged in the larynx. This triggers the body’s immune response and white blood cells attack the fibers, resulting in inflammation and

scarring. The greater degree and length of asbestos exposure, the higher a person’s risk for laryngeal disease. Learn more >
•Pharyngeal Disease. Asbestos fibers in the throat can lead to cancer of the pharynx. Pharyngeal cancer typically grows silently, showing no symptoms until the disease has reached advanced stages. These

symptoms include sore throat, coughing, trouble swallowing and ear pain. Learn more >
•Esophageal Cancer. Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of certain types of esophageal cancer. Symptoms of esophageal cancer can include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, pain in the throat,

hoarseness, and vomiting. Learn more >

Mesothelioma
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Mesothelioma

This section of the website presents information from leading mesothelioma authorities like the American Cancer Society and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) in an attempt to provide an

overview and definition of mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma: Types
Mesothelioma is a rare, deadly form of cancer, usually occurring in the chest cavity. This is called pleural mesothelioma. The other type of mesothelioma is peritoneal, which occurs in the abdomen. Asbestos

exposure can also cause esophageal cancer, or cancer of the throat. Learn More >

What is Mesothelioma: Symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear until many years after asbestos exposure. Symptoms are defined where the mesothelioma is located in the body. Learn More >

What is Mesothelioma: Causes

The American Cancer Society lists exposure to asbestos as the main risk factor for developing mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure at work is reported in 70% – 80% of all mesothelioma cases. Learn More >

What is Mesothelioma: Treatments

Treatments for mesothelioma vary and depend on the location of the cancer, how advanced the cancer is, and the patient’s overall health and age. Typical treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and

chemotherapy. Learn More >

Lung cancer
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Lung cancer

One of the most serious potential consequences of asbestos exposure is lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in America for both men and women. Individuals who have been exposed to

asbestos are five times more likely to develop lung cancer than those who have not been exposed. And if those individuals smoke cigarettes or use other forms of tobacco, this risk is intensified:

•Smokers who have not been exposed to asbestos are 11 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers.
•Heavy smokers who have been exposed to asbestos are 16 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers who have not been exposed.
There are two main types of asbestos lung cancer: Small cell carcinoma and non-small cell carcinoma. Individuals exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing both kinds. Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC)

applies to approximately 20% of all lung cancers and generally develops in the central areas of the lung. This is the most aggressive, fast-moving form of all lung cancers and has the strongest link with

current or former smokers.

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) comprises about 80% of all lung cancers. This type of asbestos lung cancer is the most common, with three main types: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and

large cell carcinomas. The three sub-types of NSCLC are usually treated using similar methods.

Symptoms of Asbestos Lung Cancer

Asbestos lung cancer symptoms are similar to symptoms caused by lung cancer that is unrelated to asbestos exposure. These symptoms include:

•A persistent “smoker’s” cough that doesn’t go away with treatment
•Coughing up blood
•Shortness of breath or wheezing
•Hoarseness that lasts more than 2 weeks
•Pain in the chest, back, arm or shoulder
•Recurring lung infections such bronchitis or pneumonia
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have a history of exposure to asbestos, you may wish to talk to your doctor.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Asbestos Lung Cancer

Cases of asbestos lung cancer are usually confirmed by a pathologist who reviews tissue samples taken from a patient during a biopsy. Other medical tests, such as blood tests, pulmonary function tests

(PFTs), chest X-rays, CT scans and bone scans can help determine the stage of the cancer and whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body.

The treatment for asbestos lung cancer depends on the type of tumor present, the stage of the disease, and the general health of the patient. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a

combination of any of these therapies. Some lung cancer patients may choose to participate in a clinical trial to gain access to promising new therapies. As with all asbestos-related diseases, early

detection and treatment can make a profound impact on a patient’s life expectancy and quality of life.

If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure, you may wish to visit our Testing for Asbestos-Related Illness page. There you will find information on the various medical tests available for

confirming the presence of asbestos-related illnesses and abnormalities.

Esophageal cancer
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Esophageal cancer

Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of certain types of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer can occur in the larynx, or voice box. It can also occur in the oropharynx, which is the part of the throat

at the back of the mouth. This type of cancer can spread to almost any other part of the body.

Recently the Institute of Medicine evaluated the evidence suggesting that asbestos exposure causes cancers of the pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and other organs. The committee concluded that the evidence is:

•Sufficient to suggest that asbestos exposure is a cause of laryngeal cancer
•Suggestive but not sufficient to assume asbestos exposure is a cause of pharyngeal cancer
Esophageal cancer is divided into two types:

•Squamous cell carcinomas – occur in the cells that line the esophagus
•Adenocarcinomas – occur in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the esophagus
Symptoms of esophageal cancer can include:

•Difficulty swallowing
•Weight loss
•Pain in the throat
•Hoarseness
•Vomiting
If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure, you may wish to visit our Testing for Asbestos-Related Illness page. There you will find information on the various medical tests available for

confirming the presence of asbestos-related illnesses and abnormalities.

Gastrointestinal cancer
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Gastrointestinal cancer

Although asbestos exposure is most commonly associated with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases, asbestos is a cancer-causing substance that can affect almost any part of the body.

Asbestos-related gastrointestinal disease, while rare, is a serious concern for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos.

About the Gastrointestinal System

From the moment you take a bite of food, your body goes to work, digesting and converting the food into the nutrients and energy that sustain life. This process takes place in the gastrointestinal

(digestive) system, a long, twisting route that extends from the mouth to the anus. The gastrointestinal route includes not only the esophagus, stomach and intestines, but also the liver, gallbladder, and

pancreas, which produce the juices that aid in digestion.

How Asbestos Affects the Gastrointestinal System

Studies have established a strong link between asbestos exposure and cancers of the stomach, esophagus and colon. What is less clear, however, is exactly how asbestos enters the digestive system.

Some researchers believe that inhaled asbestos migrates from the lungs to other parts of the body. Others suggest that asbestos fibers may be coughed up and swallowed, landing in the lining of the

gastrointestinal system. But no matter how they get there, when asbestos fibers wind up in the lining of the digestive tract, their effect can be just as deadly as asbestos fibers that settle in the lining

of the lungs.

Gastrointestinal cancer tumors tend to grow slowly. In the earlier stages, asbestos-related gastrointestinal cancer has no obvious symptoms, but symptoms may develop as the disease progresses. These symptoms

include:

•Blood in the stool
•Unexplained changes in bowel habits
•Severe abdominal pain
•Involuntary weight loss
•Persistent heartburn, even after taking antacids
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have a history of exposure to asbestos, you may wish to talk to your doctor.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Asbestos-Related Gastrointestinal Disease

Whether your doctor suspects that you have asbestos-related gastrointestinal disease or just wants to rule out the possibility, he or she may conduct one or more of the following diagnostic procedures:

•Blood tests. A complete blood count may be taken to determine the number of different types of blood cells as well as the amount of hemoglobin (a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body) in the

blood.
•Chemistry studies. Your doctor may also perform chemistry studies to measure certain substances in your blood and/or urine. When too much or too little of a substance is present, it can be a sign of

disease in the organ or tissue that produces the substance.
•Health history and physical examination. Your doctor will probably ask you about your health habits, past illnesses, and other aspects of your history. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, the doctor will

want to know the details of that exposure. He or she may also perform a physical examination to look for any obvious signs of disease, such as a lump under the skin.
•Imaging studies. Depending on preliminary findings, your doctor may order imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to look for visual evidence of disease.
If your physician concludes that you have asbestos-related gastrointestinal disease, he or she will discuss your prognosis and treatment options with you and your family. Treatments for gastrointestinal

cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, as well as advanced new treatments that are currently being tested in clinical trials. Prognosis and treatment will be

determined by factors such as:

•Whether surgery is an option – and if the cancer can be completely removed by surgery
•The size and location of the tumor
•Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
•The details of your exposure to asbestos – how long ago the exposure occurred, how long you were exposed to asbestos, and the degree of exposure you experienced
In general, most gastrointestinal tumors can be successfully treated. Even patients who are not completely cured of gastrointestinal disease may still enjoy a long lifespan.

If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure, you may wish to visit our Testing for Asbestos-Related Illness page. There you will find information on the various medical tests available for

confirming the presence of asbestos-related illnesses and abnormalities.

Laryngeal cancer
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Laryngeal cancer

The larynx, or voice box, is the organ that contains the vocal cords. Located between the pharynx (throat) and the trachea, the larynx is part of the body’s respiratory system. The larynx is made up of

muscles, cartilage, and ligaments. It is lined with little hairs, called cilia, which trap dust and tiny particles and move them toward the pharynx to be expelled by coughing, sneezing, or nose blowing. The

cilia are the immune system’s first line of defense in the respiratory tract.

How Asbestos Affects the Larynx

The vocal cords, by nature, disrupt airflow – a fact that may contribute to inhaled asbestos fibers becoming lodged in the larynx. The presence of asbestos fibers triggers the body’s immune response, and

white blood cells attack the fibers, resulting in inflammation and scarring.

Asbestos fibers break down extremely slowly, remaining in the body for many years. The greater degree and length of asbestos exposure, the higher the risk for laryngeal disease.

In 2006, the Institute of Medicine reviewed the findings from several studies to determine if other forms of cancer, in addition to mesothelioma and asbestosis, could be linked to asbestos exposure. The

Institute’s research not only revealed a connection between asbestos and cancer of the larynx, but also pointed to similarities between some cancers of the larynx and cancers of the lung.

Smoking increases the risk for asbestos-related cancer of the larynx. Smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a greater risk of developing cancer than either non-smokers who are exposed to asbestos or

smokers who are not exposed to asbestos. This effect may be due to the fact that cigarette smoke paralyzes the cilia, impairing the body’s ability to expel foreign particles, including asbestos fibers.

Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Laryngeal Disease

Because some of the symptoms of asbestos-related laryngeal cancer are similar to those of several common illnesses, diagnosis can be difficult. Symptoms include:

•Voice changes or hoarseness
•A lump in the neck
•A sore throat or the feeling of something stuck in your throat
•A lingering cough
•Breathing problems
•Earache
•Bad breath
•Unexplained weight loss
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have a history of exposure to asbestos, you may wish to talk to your doctor.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Asbestos-Related Laryngeal Disease

If your doctor determines that your symptoms require further investigation, he or she may conduct one or more of the following:

•Physical examination. The doctor will feel your neck and check your thyroid, larynx, and lymph nodes for abnormal lumps or swelling.
•Laryngoscopy. This is an examination in which your doctor looks down into your throat to check for abnormalities and to make sure the vocal cords move normally. An indirect laryngoscopy is a procedure

performed in the doctor’s office. In a direct laryngoscopy, the doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube through your nose or mouth to see areas of the throat that can’t be viewed otherwise. This test is

conducted in the doctor’s office, in an outpatient clinic, or in a hospital, and the doctor will administer a local anesthetic to prevent gagging, as well as medication to relax you.
•Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This is an imaging study the doctor may use to identify tumors. You may be injected with a special dye before your scan to ensure a clear image of your larynx.
•Biopsy. If examination reveals an abnormal area, your doctor may remove a small sample of tissue to look for cancer cells. This procedure is a biopsy, and it is the only way to know for sure if a tumor is

cancerous.
If examinations reveal that you have asbestos-related laryngeal cancer, your doctor will explain your treatment options; their risks, benefits, and associated side effects; and the results you might expect

from each option. Treatment methods for asbestos-related laryngeal disease may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, alone or in combination.

Your treatment choice will depend on your general health, the location of the cancer in the larynx, the size of the tumor, and whether or not the cancer has spread. Clinical studies may also provide a

treatment opportunity for you. Ask your doctor to help you identify studies you may qualify for.

At this time, there is no certain cure for asbestos-related cancer of the larynx. Research continues, however, bringing hope to patients and their families.

If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure, you may wish to visit our Testing for Asbestos-Related Illness page. There you will find information on the various medical tests available for

confirming the presence of asbestos-related illnesses and abnormalities.

Pharyngeal cancer
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Pharyngeal cancer

The term pharyngeal disease refers to any disease of the throat (pharynx). The throat is part of both the respiratory system and the digestive system, delivering life-giving oxygen and life-sustaining

nourishment to the body.

How Asbestos Affects the Pharynx

When tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they may become permanently lodged in the soft tissues of the throat. The body’s immune system recognizes the fibers as foreign bodies, kicking defenses

into high gear and resulting in inflammation and scarring. Because asbestos fibers break down so slowly, they can remain in the body for many years, creating an ideal environment for infection and disease to

develop.

In the worst case, asbestos fibers in the throat can lead to cancer of the pharynx. Pharyngeal cancer typically grows silently, showing no symptoms until the disease has reached advanced stages.

Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Pharyngeal Disease

The symptoms of pharyngeal cancer include:

•Sore throat
•Coughing
•Trouble swallowing; a feeling of a “lump” in the throat
•Breathlessness
•Change in voice
•Pain in the ear
•Infection
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have a history of exposure to asbestos, you may wish to talk to your doctor.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Asbestos-Related Pharyngeal Disease

There are no specific tests for cancer of the pharynx. Your doctor will want to review your health and work history and perform a thorough physical examination. If these preliminary investigations raise any

concerns, the doctor may perform screening tests to uncover additional clues. In advanced stages of asbestos-related pharyngeal cancer, testing may reveal anemia or abnormal liver function, but in the early

stages, test results may be normal.

If you’ve been diagnosed with asbestos-related pharyngeal disease, your doctor will talk to you and your family about your treatment options and prognosis. High-dose radiation is the most common treatment

for cancer of the pharynx, while chemotherapy is rarely used.

For a number of reasons, surgery is seldom recommended as a method of treatment for cancer of the pharynx, whether it is caused by exposure to asbestos or other factors. The site of the tumor may not be

easily accessible, for example, and the fact that pharyngeal cancer is typically advanced at the time of discovery means that it is likely the cancer has spread. Surgery may be helpful if the cancer is

discovered early and very small lesions are present, however.

There is no known cure for pharyngeal cancer at this time. Infection control is a crucial part of treatment, however, and your ability to fight off infections will be a determining factor in your prognosis.

You can do your part by taking some simple precautions to avoid infections:

•Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, and avoid inhaling pollutants that can make breathing difficult.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf in cold weather.
•Drink lots of fluids, and eat healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
•Wash your hands often.
•Avoid large crowds and other situations that could expose you to respiratory infections.
•Avoid getting over-tired. Sleep 7 or 8 hours every night, and take rest breaks during the day.
•Notify your doctor at the first sign of infection.
If you have asbestos-related pharyngeal disease, your doctor may also recommend practical measures to increase your comfort, such as a humidifier, breathing treatments and pain control.

If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure, you may wish to visit our Testing for Asbestos-Related Illness page. There you will find information on the various medical tests available for

confirming the presence of asbestos-related illnesses and abnormalities.

Asbestosis
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Asbestosis

In addition to mesothelioma, another asbestos danger is asbestosis. With asbestosis, lung tissue is damaged by asbestos fibers. The fibers cause inflammation and scarring. Asbestosis occurs when scar tissue

replaces lung tissue.

This particular asbestos danger produces shortness of breath and coughing. It may also cause permanent lung damage. While asbestosis is noncancerous, it is a progressive and chronic, or long lasting, lung

ailment. Asbestosis usually progresses slowly. Like mesothelioma, asbestosis usually takes 10-20 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis has been known as an asbestos danger for as long as mesothelioma has been known to be a danger. The connection between asbestos and these two ailments was first reported in 1943.

Studies have shown that people at greatest risk for this asbestos danger are those with high levels of exposure to asbestos for a long period of time. Studies show a clear relationship between the amount of

asbestos inhaled over a lifetime and the development of asbestosis. People with low levels of asbestos exposure for a long duration also developed asbestosis.

Asbestosis has been shown to lower a person’s resistance to secondary diseases, like pneumonia, emphysema, and tuberculosis. In some cases, asbestosis may have caused these types of diseases to become fatal.

Many people with asbestosis also develop mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer. This is especially true for asbestosis sufferers who smoke–they are 55% more likely to develop mesothelioma than

asbestosis victims who do not smoke.

If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure, you may wish to visit our Testing for Asbestos-Related Illness page. There you will find information on the various medical tests available for

confirming the presence of asbestos-related illnesses and abnormalities.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Occupational Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Unknown to most people, low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. Although almost everyone gets exposed to some level of asbestos during their lifetime, it typical requires long-term

asbestos exposure to cause the harmful health risks. This includes mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos fibers. The majority of people who become ill from asbestos have been

exposed on a regular basis, most often because of their occupation and work history. Usually, they either directly handled asbestos or worked in an environment with a high concentration of asbestos fibers

in the air. From 1940 through 1979, approximately 27,500,000 individuals experienced asbestos exposure at work.
Industries with High Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos, because of its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength, became common in numerous manufactured products and building materials. Unfortunately,

this has affected a number of industries which show a high risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other cancers including lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal.

Industries that have been affected by asbestos exposures include:
• Construction: Asbestos was used to reinforce cement, plastic and a number of building products including insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption.
• Aerospace: Many aircraft parts including brakes, brake linings, seating gaskets, and insulation were produced using asbestos.
• Automotive: Asbestos was used in auto parts such as brakes and clutches because of its heat-resistant properties.
• Shipping and Shipbuilding: Asbestos insulation for certain areas of ships including boilers, incinerators, hot water pipes and steam pipes.
• Railroad: Asbestos was used to insulate a variety of locomotive areas along with individual parts such as brake and clutch linings.
• Metal Craftsmanship: Protective clothing and work areas often contained asbestos for its heat and fire resistant properties.
• Manufacturing: Workers in the plants where asbestos products were created are at risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other health problems. This includes cement plants, steel mills, textile mills,

and many others.
• Others: Firefighters, miners, custodians, and hairdressers are among the other occupations affected by asbestos exposure.

Family Members of Asbestos Workers are at Higher Risk

Family members of people who work in high risk asbestos environment have been shown to have an increased risk for developing asbestos-related health problems like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other cancers.

The risk is that the worker can bring home the asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin, and hair. These fibers can be released into the home environment and create asbestos-related health risks for the

family. Laundry was another risk because the asbestos worker’s clothes were often washed with the rest of the family clothing and the asbestos fibers were transferred.

Asbestos Regulation and Current Uses

In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned all new uses of asbestos, but all uses developed before 1989 were still permitted. Although the government has regulations for worksites with

asbestos material, many employers fail to educate their employees on proper procedures and equipment. Asbestos exposure continues to remain a problem in an industry like construction, where workers face

risk in older buildings.

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Occupation?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To learn more about your legal options, please contact us for a

free, no-obligation evaluation of your potential claim.
Construction Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Construction Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

The construction industry has been central to the growth and advancement of any society. The people who make this progress possible through their hard work face many forms of danger at their jobs. The

carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers and others, who make up the construction industry, face safety issues including falls, noise, heavy lifting, and machinery operation. However, one of the

deadliest occupational hazards facing construction workers flew under the radar for years. This was the presence of asbestos at job sites. Asbestos, a mineral common in many building products, can release

fibers and dust into the air when disturbed. When inhaled, an asbestos exposure can lead to a number of health problems. These include asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung,

esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal.

Construction Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Asbestos, a naturally occurring substance, was used in many construction materials because of its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength. One way asbestos

fibers could be disturbed into the air at a construction site was when these materials were cut, shaved or ground to fit specific dimensions. This left every worker on a job site at risk for asbestos

exposure, and not just those working directly with the materials. The following construction occupations are at high risk for asbestos exposure, mesothelioma and other related diseases:

 

•Carpenters
•Drywall Installers
•Insulators/ Laggers
•Roofers
•Pipefitters
•Electricians
•HVAC Mechanics
•Steamfitters
•Painters
•Plasterers
•Plumbers
•Masons/Bricklayers/Mixing Operatives
•Heavy Equipment Operators
•Demolition Crews
•Electrical Linemen and Cablemen
•Tile Setter
•Public Water/Sewer Installers
•Sawyer
•Cabinetmaker
•Household Appliance Installers
•Metal Lather

Asbestos Products in the Construction Industry

As mentioned above, asbestos has a unique set of properties that make it attractive as a component in construction products. Buildings built from 1950-1980 are at risk for asbestos products in roofing,

flooring, walls, insulation, pipes, and fireproofing among other areas. For a more specific list please visit our Asbestos-Containing Construction Products page.

Today’s Constructions Workers Are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Today’s construction worker continues to face the dangerous risks associated with asbestos exposure. It is estimated that 1.3 million construction workers are exposed to asbestos annually. The United

States began regulating asbestos in the 1970’s, but it has not been banned entirely. In fact, two-thirds of the modern asbestos-containing products are created for construction materials. Workers renovating

or demolishing a structure built from 1950-1980 may also be at risk of asbestos exposure. Far too often, modern construction workers are not taught proper safety procedures or given the required equipment

to protect them from the dangers of asbestos.

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Construction Job?

It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working in construction get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by

asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and victims average only one year of life after diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay

close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Shipping Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Shipping Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Shipyards have been extremely important to the development of the United States, both as a means for global commerce and during war times as a warship building, repairing and launching ground. During World

War II and the Korean War, the peak of shipbuilding in the U.S., it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people worked at America’s shipyards. Unfortunately, this time period also involved widespread

asbestos use on ships.

The rationale behind the use of asbestos aboard ships dates back to one fateful day, September 8,1934. On this day, the S.S. Morro Castle, a passenger Cruise ship returning to New York from Cuba,

experienced a fire at sea off the coast of New Jersey. A fire that began below deck quickly spread throughout the ship and ultimately killed 135 of the 549 passengers and crew. The asbestos industry used

this great tragedy to lobby Congress for strict fire regulations requiring fireproof materials for the construction and repair of ships. During this time, the fireproofing material of choice was asbestos.

 

Shipping Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

The shipping industry has been regarded as one of the most hazardous working environments due to the high volume of confirmed asbestos exposures. Individuals loading, building, and repairing ships may have

all been exposed to some level of asbestos prior to the 1970’s. A study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine has shown that of workers with at least 20 years in shipbuilding, 86% had some asbestos-related

illness. Asbestos releases fibers and dust into the air when disturbed, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and such cancers as mesothelioma, lung, esophageal,

gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. What’s worse is that many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if workers had simply been given the proper training and safety equipment.

Several shipping jobs that have been affected by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure include:

•Shipyard Worker
•Sailors/Merchant Marines
•Longshoreman
Asbestos Products in the Shipping Industry

Asbestos was used in different areas of the ship primarily because of its resistance to heat, but also for a resistance to electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength. Asbestos was

used in over 300 products on ships until the 1970’s. In fact, it has been estimated that some of the larger ships during this time period contained over 1,000 tons of asbestos in different areas throughout

the ship. The most common use was asbestos-containing insulation to wrap hot water, steam, and fuel pipes for heat resistance purposes. Other danger areas and products included bricks, cement, liners,

instrument paneling, adhesives, gaskets, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and cabling.

The widespread use of asbestos products means that most people traveling aboard ships during this time period likely experienced some level of asbestos exposure. The close quarters and poor ventilation of a

ship only increased the chances for exposure and the resulting health issues like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Because of ongoing repair and maintenance issues in areas with asbestos, there are stories of

ship personnel being showered with asbestos fibers and even routinely dusting off their beds before going to sleep.

As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site workers are not the only people at risk for asbestos-related diseases. Shipyard workers often returned to their home covered in asbestos fibers

putting both their family and friends at risk.

Today’s Shipping Workers Are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Although a 2000 amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty has banned new installation of asbestos-containing materials on ships, there are still a few exceptions

for very high heat areas. Of more concern, perhaps, is the repair and overhaul of ships built during the period of widespread use. It is important that modern workers be properly trained in order to safely

service or repair areas of the ship and avoid potentially deadly exposure.

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Shipping Job?

It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working within the shipping industry get a full physical evaluation by a doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused

by asbestos exposure, often takes up to 30-40 years to manifest.. Like many other diseases, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any

mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Manufacturing Jobs – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Manufacturing Jobs – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

For decades, manufacturing plant workers were at high risk for asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases due to the thousands of asbestos-containing products that they were subject to. Asbestos-

containing products can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and cancers such as mesothelioma, lung,

esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Unfortunately, many asbestos product manufacturers were aware of the health dangers to workers, yet continued production in unhealthy working

environments.

The following manufacturing jobs may have been affected by asbestos exposure:

• Boilermakers
• Cement Plant Workers
• Steel Mill Workers
• Textile Mill Workers
• Factory Workers
• Furnace Men, Smelter Men, and Pourers
• Grinders
• Machine Operatives
• Paper Mill Workers
• Protective Clothing Manufacturers

Manufactured Asbestos Products

The number of manufacturing jobs affected can be attributed to the wide variety of products which contained asbestos. For a long period of time, asbestos could be found in many products – from drywall and

car brakes to clothing and hairdryers. Among manufacturing workers, textile mill employees are some of the most deeply affected by the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. A study published in

Occupational and Environmental Magazine looked at 5,770 employees who worked at one of four North Carolina asbestos textile plants and were employed for at least one day between 1950 through 1973. These

workers, when compared to the general population, were found to have a 47% increase in overall mortality, a 41% increase in mortality for all cancers, and a 95% increase in mortality due to lung cancer. The

study also found increased rates of asbestos-related illnesses, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer, and noted that the mortality rates for these ailments increased the longer workers worked around

asbestos.

As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site workers are not the only people at risk for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and the other health risks. People working at manufacturing plants may have

returned to their home covered in asbestos fibers putting both family and friends at risk.

Have You Worked at a Manufacturing Plant and May Have Been Exposed to Asbestos?

It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working in a manufacturing plant with asbestos-containing products get a full physical evaluation by a doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare

and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, may take up to 40 years to manifest. Like many other diseases, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close

attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Automotive Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Automotive Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Workers in the automotive industry may have been affected by asbestos exposure and resulting health problems including mesothelioma cancer. It has been estimated that over 6,000,000 mechanics have been

exposed to asbestos brake dust since 1940, and these exposures have resulted in almost 600 asbestos-related cancer deaths every year.

Automotive Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

The automotive industry has been regarded as one of the more hazardous working environments due to the high volume of confirmed asbestos exposures, particularly among mechanics. Asbestos-containing auto

products can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal,

gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Unfortunately, many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if auto workers had simply been given the proper training and safety equipment. The

following automotive jobs have been affected by asbestos exposures and resulting mesothelioma:

•Auto Mechanics
•Auto Plant Workers
Asbestos Products in the Automotive Industry

Asbestos was used in a few different areas of an automobile primarily because of its resistance to heat and friction, but also for a resistance to electrical damage, chemical damage, and its tensile

strength. The automobile products most likely to contain asbestos are brakes, hood liners, clutches, gaskets, heat-seal material, valve rings, and packing. Brakes and clutches pose the biggest danger

because during normal use they wear down through friction and release asbestos dust. Much of this dust gets trapped in the brake housing or clutch compartment, so when they are serviced, the dust is

released and creates a high potential for exposure.

As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site automotive workers are not the only people at risk for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and the other health risks. Workers often return to their homes

covered in asbestos fibers putting both family and friends at risk as well.

Today’s Automotive Workers Are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Millions of cars, both new and old, still contain asbestos-containing brakes and clutches. Servicing old cars obviously remains a problem but some new cars still have asbestos-containing components as well,

although in much smaller amounts. Guidelines for mechanics includetreating all brake and clutch work as though asbestos is still present.

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Automotive Job?

It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working with and around automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and the like get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor.

Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and victims average only one year of life after diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the

disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Aerospace Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Aerospace Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

A number of jobs within the aerospace industry have been affected by asbestos exposure and the resulting health problems including mesothelioma cancer. The majority of these exposures occurred with people

who worked with and around airplanes between World War II and 1980. During that time, asbestos was used in a number of different airplane parts that could potentially expose workers during the building and

ongoing maintenance of the planes.

Aerospace Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

The aerospace industry has been regarded as a hazardous working environment due to the high volume of confirmed asbestos exposures. Asbestos-containing products can release fibers and dust into the air

when disturbed, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal.

Unfortunately, many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if workers had simply been given the proper training and safety equipment. People working in the following aerospace jobs have been

affected by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure:

•Aeronautical Engineers
•Aircraft Mechanics
•Aircraft Production Workers
Asbestos Products in the Aerospace Industry

Asbestos was used in different areas of a plane primarily because of its resistance to heat and friction, but also for its resistance to electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength.

Asbestos-containing areas of planes included brakes, insulation, glues, and epoxies. The brakes of most airplanes were lined with asbestos for heat and friction purposes, and each time the plane braked,

some of the asbestos would grind to dust and collect in the wheel wells. Servicing the brakes then released this dust into the air, causing aircraft mechanics to be at high risk of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was added to epoxies and glues for various airplane parts because it strengthened those items. Left undisturbed it was not a problem, but planes are constantly serviced and cutting, grinding,

sanding, or removal of these parts has the potential to release the deadly fibers.

As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site workers are not the only people at risk for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and the other health risks. Aerospace workers often returned to their homes

and families covered in asbestos fibers, putting both family and friends at risk.

Today’s Aerospace Workers Are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure

In 1981, the US Navy, like much of the industry, began to replace asbestos laden parts of their aircraft with parts containing similar, asbestos-free substitutes. Renovations to, and retrofitting of, older

aircraft with new parts brings with it the danger of exposure when the older asbestos-containing parts are being handled and replaced. In addition, many parts, including the brake linings, are still allowed

to contain low concentrations of asbestos so safety training and modern equipment is still important.

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Aerospace Job?

It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working with and around planes get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive, and currently

incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and victims average only one year of life after diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages.

At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Railroad Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Railroad Industry – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

The railroad industry encompasses a wide range of workers including engineers, brake operators, conductors, locomotive/car manufacturers, and even the individuals loading and unloading cars in railroad

yards. Railroads have been extremely important to the development of the United States as a means for interstate commerce and industrial growth. Unfortunately, many of the people helping to drive this

growth were unknowingly exposed to asbestos and, consequently, have been subject to serious health problems like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Railroad Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

The railroad industry has been regarded as one of the more hazardous working environments due to the high volume of confirmed asbestos exposures and resulting mesothelioma lawsuits. Asbestos-containing

products can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and cancers such as mesothelioma, lung, esophageal,

gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Unfortunately, many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if railroad workers had simply been given the proper training and safety equipment.

The following railroad jobs may have been affected by asbestos exposure:

•Boiler/Engine Room Workers
•Locomotive Engineers
•Laggers
Asbestos Products in the Railroad Industry

Asbestos was used in different areas of locomotives primarily because of its resistance to heat and friction, but also for a resistance to electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile

strength. Asbestos-containing insulation was used in several areas of the train including engine rooms, box-cars, cabooses, boiler rooms, and around various pipes. Asbestos was also used in refrigeration

units, railroad brakes, clutches, gaskets, packing, rope, cement, and ceiling/floor tiles.

Changing brake shoes was perhaps the most dangerous activity for a worker to perform due to the almost certain exposure. Asbestos was used in the brakes because of its resistance to heat and friction but

the brakes as a whole would eventually wear down, making them more likely to release dust and fibers. These brake shoes were replaced frequently, so someone charged with this task likely performed it

thousands of times. Gaskets were also dangerous because they were not usually customized for a specific. To modify the gasket it was often cut, ground, and sanded which released the embedded asbestos

fibers into the air.

As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site workers are not the only people at risk for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and the other health risks. Railroad workers often returned to their home

covered in asbestos fibers putting both family and friends at risk.

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Railroad Job?

It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working with and around planes get a full physical evaluation by a doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by

asbestos exposure, may take up to 30-40 years to manifest. Like many other diseases, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma

symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Metal Craftsman – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Home > Exposed to Asbestos > Metal Craftsman – Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Metal craftsmen are the people responsible for shaping metals, which include anything from giant skyscrapers to the tiny hand tools. The jobs of metal craftsman are some of the oldest professions and were

certainly very important to the industrial growth of the United States. It is unfortunate, but many of the people working within this industry were exposed to asbestos and have or will face serious health

problems as a result.

Metal Craftsmen Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Metal craftsmen are regarded as a group of occupations with a higher risk for asbestos exposure, because of the number of asbestos products present in the workplace due to the constant presence of fire.

Asbestos-containing products are fire-resistant but can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and the following

cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Unfortunately, many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if metal craftsman had known the dangers and

been given the proper training and safety equipment. The following metal craftsman jobs may have been affected by asbestos exposure:

•Welders
•Tool and Die Makers
•Tinsmith
•Steel and Iron Workers
Asbestos Products used by Metal Craftsman

As mentioned above, metal craftsman have a higher risk of asbestos exposures primarily because of the equipment they worked with on a daily basis. Ironically, much of this equipment was actually meant to be

protective safety gear designed to guard them from heat and fire. Asbestos was woven into clothing such as gloves and jackets for the workers to wear because of their close proximity to high heat, fire, and

sparks. Some of the tools that these metal workers used also contained asbestos. For instance, up until the 1980’s, welders were using welding rods that contained asbestos. The rods would get hammered and

release the asbestos-containing dust and fumes into the air.

As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site workers are not the only people at risk for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and the other health risks. Metal craftsman may have returned to their home

covered in asbestos fibers putting both family and friends at risk.

Are you a Metal Craftsman who May Have Been Exposed to Asbestos?

It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working with metals get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by

asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and victims average only one year of life after diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay

close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Veterans and Mesothelioma
Home > Veterans and Mesothelioma

Over the last century, countless brave individuals have lost their lives while fighting for our nation. But those on the front lines weren’t the only victims. For hundreds of thousands of veterans who were

exposed to asbestos during military service, the battle still rages on.

It is estimated that 30% of all current U.S. mesothelioma patients are military veterans. Since symptoms of mesothelioma may not emerge for 35 or even 40 years, many veterans are still being diagnosed with

life-threatening illnesses that are the result of asbestos exposure decades ago.

Use of Asbestos in the Military
Valued for its thermal properties, asbestos was used by every branch of the military throughout the mid-20th century. The Army and the Air Force used asbestos-containing brake pads and clutch plates to

service military motor pools. Workers who repaired military vehicles, ships, and aircraft were prime candidates for asbestos exposure even years after its use was discontinued. Other workers at risk were

those who installed and serviced military equipment and machinery.

Since asbestos products were widely used in the construction industry prior to 1970, construction workers on military bases were also in danger of inhaling deadly asbestos fibers. Older buildings—which were

not replaced when asbestos was virtually banned in the 1980s—are likely to have asbestos-containing components such as electric wire insulation, roofing, and fireproofing materials. Asbestos removal is

typically an issue when construction is being upgraded on a military installation.

Without a doubt, the division of the military most heavily impacted by asbestos exposure is the U.S. Navy. Nearly every Naval vessel built between 1930 and the early 1970s had asbestos in its construction:

asbestos insulation, asbestos on piping throughout the ship, and asbestos coating on engine room pipes and boilers. During World War II, several million shipyard workers and sailors were unknowingly exposed

to asbestos.

Military personnel most likely to have been exposed to asbestos include:
•Boilermen
•Construction workers
•Demolition workers
•Engine mechanics
•Firemen
•Gunners/Seamen
•Navy Seabees
•Pipefitters
•Shipfitters
•Shipyard workers
High-risk military veterans may have worked with these asbestos products:
•Asbestos gloves
•Asbestos clothing, blankets and cloth
•Boiler/block insulation
•Brakes, gaskets and clutches
•Fireproofing materials
•Fireproofing spray insulation
•Firebrick and gunnite
•Floor, roofing and ceiling tiles
•Insulation on pipes
•Insulating cements, plasters and joint compounds
•Roofing shingles
•Rope packing
•Steam pipes for heating units and boilers
•Thermal insulation
•Transite siding
•Wallboard

Asbestos in the Military Today
The use of asbestos was slowly phased out by the military in the 1970s, as more and more evidence of its dangers came to light. Today, the Navy and other military branches have strict regulations about how

to handle asbestos that turns up at work sites. Workers are now advised to avoid asbestos lagging and insulation, and specialized crews are brought in to remove and dispose of the hazardous substance.

Despite the fact that many toxic military sites have been cleaned up or shut down, it is too late for the thousands of veterans who have already been exposed to asbestos. Now, these individuals must face an

uncertain future as they cope with the reality of mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused illnesses.

Were You Exposed to Asbestos During Military Service?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the U.S. military, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To learn more about your legal

options, please contact us for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your potential claim.