What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a commercial and legal term referring to a class of minerals that naturally form long, thin, very strong fibers. Because of its fiber strength, heat resistance, and durability, asbestos was mined and widely used throughout the 20th century in building construction materials, insulation, fireproofing, and thousands of commercial products.

Asbestos is dangerous because when materials containing it are disturbed or damaged, microscopic fibers are released into the air that can become lodged in lung tissue when inhaled, causing serious and sometimes fatal diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Asbestos fibers do not dissolve in water, resist heat and fire, and cannot be broken down easily by chemicals or bacteria, making them particularly harmful to human health. Once inhaled, these fibers become permanently embedded in the lungs and lining of vital organs, where they slowly irritate and damage DNA over time.

Types of Asbestos and Why It Was Used

The legal definition of asbestos applies to six fibrous minerals in two general classes: serpentine and amphibole. Chrysotile (white asbestos) is the only serpentine class asbestos and has long, flexible fibers that were most commonly used in commercial products. The amphibole class includes amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite, which are brittle and have rod- or needle-like shapes. While exposure to either type increases disease risk, amphiboles remain in the lung for longer periods and may result in higher risk of developing mesothelioma than chrysotile.

Asbestos was prized for its unique properties: resistance to heat and fire, tensile strength, flexibility in certain forms, chemical resistance, and low cost, making it ideal for insulation, fireproofing, and structural applications across countless industries.

Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found

Asbestos was used in thousands of products across homes, workplaces, and industrial applications. Despite many uses being banned beginning in the 1970s, asbestos remains present in older buildings and materials constructed before that period, putting many workers at risk.

In Homes:

• Attic and wall insulation (especially vermiculite)
• Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
• Roofing and siding shingles
• Textured paint and patching compounds
• Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves
• Hot water and steam pipe insulation
• Oil and coal furnace door gaskets

Workplace and Industrial Settings:

• Building insulation and fireproofing materials
• Cement products including pipes and sheets
• Brake linings and clutches
• Gaskets and packing materials
• Heat-resistant fabrics
• Millboard for boilers and kilns
• Electrical insulation

Products That May Still Contain Asbestos:

• Automobile brakes
• Roofing materials
• Certain commercial products like vermiculite from Libby, Montana, and talc

In March 2024, the EPA finalized a ban on ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form currently imported or used in the United States, which had been primarily used by chlor-alkali plants. But there are still companies with long histories of operation, who may occupy sites that used to utilize asbestos. If cleanup is not thoroughly conducted, these areas may still pose hazards.

Health Risks From Asbestos Exposure

Disturbing asbestos-containing materials releases microscopic fibers into the air that, when breathed in, become stuck in lung tissues and cause irritation. Workers and others who breathed asbestos fibers over many years have developed serious and sometimes fatal asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos exposure causes lung cancer, a malignant tumor that invades and blocks the lung's air passages, with smoking tobacco combined with asbestos exposure greatly increasing the risk. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the membrane lining the lungs, chest cavity, abdominal cavity, or other organs, with signs often not appearing until 30 to 40 years after exposure.

Asbestos exposure also causes cancer of the larynx and ovary, and current evidence suggests it may cause cancer of the pharynx, stomach, and colorectum. Additional conditions linked to asbestos exposure include renal (kidney) cancer, atelectasis (collapsed lung scar tissue), pleurisy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and gallbladder cancer.

Noncancer diseases include asbestosis (scarring in the lungs from very high exposures) which makes breathing harder, and pleural disease (changes in the lung membrane causing thickening or fluid buildup). Unlike most other particles, asbestos cannot be eliminated by coughing. Instead, its fibers become embedded in the lungs and linger there permanently, and can also affect other areas of the body.

Signs and Symptoms Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Because many asbestos-related diseases have long latency periods of 15 to 40 years between exposure and symptom onset, individuals may not realize they were harmed until decades after exposure.

Asbestosis Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath as the primary symptom
• Persistent and productive cough that expels mucus
• Chest tightness and pain
• Loss of appetite
• A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling
• Progressive worsening of breathing difficulty over time

Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Sudden onset of pleural effusion and pleural thickening
• Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
• Chest pain

Lung Cancer Symptoms:

• Chronic cough
• Persistent chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Anemia
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever, chills, and night sweats
• Coughing up blood

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any respiratory symptoms, seek immediate medical evaluation.

What to Do If You Think You Were Exposed

If you believe you were exposed to asbestos, take the following steps:

1. Seek medical evaluation: Schedule comprehensive medical evaluation including exposure and medical history, physical examination, chest radiographs, and pulmonary function tests to look for early signs of asbestos-associated disease.
2. Remove yourself from exposure: If occupational exposure is ongoing, consult an occupational physician immediately for advice on cessation or amelioration of this occupational issue.
3. Document your exposure history: Gather employment records, workplace safety documents, union records, job descriptions, and any information about asbestos-containing materials at your workplaces.
4. Get vaccinated: Follow CDC recommendations for pneumococcal vaccine and annual influenza vaccines to protect your respiratory health.
5. Stop smoking: If you smoke, quit immediately, as smoking tobacco combined with asbestos exposure greatly increases the chance of developing lung cancer.
6. Maintain regular monitoring: Schedule periodic chest radiographs and pulmonary function tests to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.
7. Obtain disability documentation: If symptomatic, ensure proper documentation of impairments caused by asbestos-associated disease for workers' compensation or legal claims.
8. Consult with experienced legal counsel: Contact the Porter Law Group to discuss your legal options and potential compensation for asbestos-related injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Asbestos Do to Humans?

Asbestos causes serious and sometimes fatal diseases when microscopic fibers become lodged in lung tissue after inhalation. The fibers irritate lung tissues and, over time, cause scarring and cellular damage that leads to cancer and noncancer diseases. Workers who breathed asbestos fibers over many years developed lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer of the larynx and ovary, and potentially cancers of the pharynx, stomach, and colorectum. Asbestos also causes asbestosis (lung scarring that makes breathing difficult) and pleural disease (thickening of lung membranes and fluid buildup). The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure dramatically increases lung cancer risk. Most asbestos-related diseases have long latency periods of 30 to 40 years between first exposure and symptom development.

Where Is Asbestos Found?

Asbestos occurs naturally in certain types of rock formations and is found throughout the environment from the breakdown or disposal of old asbestos products. It is still present in older homes and buildings in materials like attic and wall insulation, vinyl floor tiles, roofing and siding shingles, textured paint, pipe insulation, and furnace components. Commercial and industrial settings contain asbestos in building insulation, fireproofing materials, cement products, brake linings, gaskets, heat-resistant fabrics, and electrical insulation. Despite many uses being banned beginning in the 1970s, asbestos persists in materials constructed before that period. Some products may still contain asbestos including automobile brakes, roofing materials, and certain commercial products like vermiculite from Libby, Montana, and talc.

Is Asbestos Still in Use Today?

Asbestos use has declined dramatically in the United States, and its use is banned in over 50 countries. In March 2024, the EPA finalized a comprehensive ban on ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos currently imported into or used in the United States. Prior to this ban, raw chrysotile asbestos was used exclusively by the chlor-alkali industry at eight plants in the United States. Most consumer products that historically contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued. While new uses are banned, asbestos remains present in older buildings and legacy materials installed before the 1970s, and some products like automobile brakes and roofing materials may still contain it. The 2024 ban represents a historic step under the Toxic Substances Control Act to phase out remaining uses of asbestos in the United States.

What Are the Signs of Having Asbestos?

Signs of asbestos-related disease vary depending on the specific condition but commonly include respiratory symptoms. Asbestosis presents with shortness of breath (the primary symptom), persistent productive cough with mucus, chest tightness and pain, loss of appetite, and a dry crackling sound in the lungs during inhalation. Mesothelioma symptoms include sudden pleural effusion and thickening, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and chest pain, though these may not appear until 30 to 40 years after exposure. Lung cancer signs include chronic cough, persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, anemia, unexplained weight loss, fever, chills, night sweats, and coughing up blood. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any respiratory symptoms, seek immediate medical evaluation including chest radiographs and pulmonary function tests.

How We Can Help

The Porter Law Group offers comprehensive legal services for asbestos and mesothelioma cases. We handle every aspect of your claim, from initial investigation and filing to negotiation and, if necessary, trial representation. Our team works tirelessly to build a strong case, leveraging our extensive resources and network of medical experts to support your claim. We understand the urgency of these cases and strive to expedite the legal process while maximizing your compensation.

Why Choose the Porter Law Group?

At the Porter Law Group, we bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of asbestos litigation to every case we handle. Our team is well-versed in New York State's asbestos laws and regulations, and we have a proven track record of securing substantial personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients. We pride ourselves on our personalized approach, ensuring that each client receives the individual attention and support they need during this challenging time.

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If you're seeking experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in New York State, look no further than the Porter Law Group. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case. Don't let financial concerns prevent you from seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact the Porter Law Group today at 833-PORTER9 to speak with our knowledgeable staff, or fill out our online form and take the first step towards securing your future.