For many, the word asbestos conjures up imagery of a dilapidated old building surrounded by yellow caution tape. However, the real existence of asbestos isn’t only found in a turn-of-the-century structure. Many industries still use the hazardous material in products you use every single day.
Common Asbestos Containing Products
According to Consumer Safety Reports, here is six common asbestos containing products that still contain the cancer-causing substance, asbestos.
Automobile Parts
A variety of vehicle parts still uses asbestos. These include brake pads, clutches, gaskets, and pipes. These parts are not just in cars or trucks but motorcycles, too. This means that mechanics can develop asbestos-related health issues like mesothelioma.
Even the nature of auto mechanic work can create asbestos dust. A common job is brake and clutch replacement. During brake installation, a mechanic files, sands or drills the brakes. This creates hazardous dust. Even if a mechanic wets a rag to minimize dust, asbestos fibers are still present once the rag dries.
Fire Safety
Every year, there are almost a half million fires in the U.S. To help protect themselves, many keep fireproof materials in their homes. Normally, these are fire blankets, fire curtains, and spray-on fireproof coatings. Many of these products contain asbestos fibers because they are naturally fire-repellent. It is non-flammable and non-combustible and has a melting point of around 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Beauty Products
Talcum powder has been in the news a lot lately as many women are filing suits against Johnson & Johnson for developing ovarian cancer after using their product. Many don’t realize that these companies use talc powder coupled with asbestos. In fact, in January 2018, jury selection began for the first asbestos-related talcum powder lawsuit in New Jersey.
Talcum powder isn’t the only beauty product with asbestos. In fact, Claire’s recently recalled their makeup since it contained asbestos. Concerned by the glitter makeup she bought for her daughter, a Rhode Island mother decided to send samples for independent testing. When the makeup tested positive for tremolite asbestos, she purchased makeup in other states and tested them as well. They all tested positive for tremolite. Researchers link tremolite to cancer called mesothelioma.
Construction Materials
Construction materials using asbestos is more widely known. But, it is important to still be informed of all the products asbestos could be in even to this day. Many homes built before 1980 have asbestos in their flooring, paint, plaster, or insulation. Also, many construction materials continue to contain asbestos such as insulation, plaster, and tiles for flooring.
Fertilizer
Companies don’t intentionally add asbestos to fertilizer. However, many fertilizers contain a mineral called vermiculite. Vermiculite is a naturally forming mineral noted for its industrial uses. It looks like mica in appearance but unlike mica, it can contain asbestos. A large portion of vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana.
Almost 3,000 people lived in the town. Almost 400 died from asbestos exposure, also more than 1,000 are sick now from the dangerous substance. However, doctors are diagnosing new cases of mesothelioma almost once a week from residents. The scariest part was only half of those with mesothelioma have a connection to the mine. The only 50% had no direct connection whatsoever.
If Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
A Complex Litigation attorney like those found at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is critical when seeking help to cover your asbestos-related expenses. Our experienced lawyers are familiar with companies that used asbestos and know which job sites had a significant amount of asbestos use. Also, they know which products contained high concentrations of the toxic mineral.
Also, consultations are completely free, confidential and have no obligation. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Our team of attorneys has been recognized as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Others in the industry seek out our award-winning staff for our knowledge on complex litigation, scientific evidence development, negotiation strategies and trial tactics.
Most of all, our law office is resourceful and dedicated to pursuing any compensation you are due. Because of this, we have also received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, such as inclusion on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. In fact, we will take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.