Posts Tagged asbestos exposure
Mesothelioma Malignancy: Occupational Hazards, Symptoms and Solutions
Posted by in Uncategorized on March 13th, 2010
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely used in construction, manufacturing and industry. Though its use has largely been limited since the 1980’s, many products and buildings utilizing the insulating properties of asbestos are still in use today and may be aerosolized through use, removal or demolition. In addition, those involved in manufacturing, construction and industries which employed large scale use of asbestos are only now seeing the results of acute or chronic asbestos exposure including the development of asbestosis or the much more serious malignant condition of mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the pleural (lung) cavity lining, the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity lining or the pericardial (heart) cavity lining, usually due to asbestos exposure. All are difficult to treat, requiring possible surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and even with treatment; all have a poor prognosis, often resulting in death. Because of the seriousness of these disorders, recognizing risks factors of exposure and symptoms is vital and seeking diagnosis, advice and treatment immediately is absolutely essential.
RISKS
Occupational risk factors for the development of asbestos related mesothelioma include being or having been employed in any of the following occupations which utilized asbestos in production of materials or insulation:
-Construction – including both residential and commercial widely used asbestos in materials
-Metal Works – including steel, aluminum, iron workers along with power plant and railroad workers
-Mining – including asbestos mining but also talc, vermiculite and dolomite
-Pipe Fitting – including power plants and oil refineries along with pipe fitting for other high heat processes
-Ship Building – particularly during WWII and Korean War but also including ship crew members who may have been exposed to asbestos in confined conditions
-Factory Work – manufacture of construction materials of all types
-Auto Work – auto manufacturing and repair, particularly brake parts and engine gaskets containing asbestos
-Demolition – including those involved in or near intentional or unintentional demolition of buildings constructed with asbestos, along with asbestos removal projects
SYMPTOMS
Unfortunately for many, mesothelioma may take years to develop and not be recognized as related to work hazards. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include:
-Pleural Mesothelioma – dry raspy cough, coughing up blood, trouble swallowing, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, painful chest, difficulty breathing, lumps under the skin of the chest
-Peritoneal Mesothelioma – swollen or painful abdomen, changes in bowel habits, nausea orr vomiting, anemia, fatigue, fever or night sweats, weight loss, lumps under abdominal skin
-Pericardial Mesothelioma – heart palpitations, chest pain, trouble breathing, fever or night sweats, fatigue
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease should seek medical help immediately. The sooner diagnosis is obtained and treatment is started, the better chance for a hopeful outcome. Unfortunately, some may feel the cost of medical treatment is too high and avoid seeking help. In any case of asbestos-related disease, particularly one as serious as mesothelioma, legal advice should be obtained along with medical advice. A consultation with a lawyer will provide the best possibility of getting appropriate treatment as soon as possible and may even save a life.
Getting a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a shocking experience for both the patient and family members alike. Support organizations such as the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation can be a good source of information regarding diagnosis, medical issues and treatment options. Additionally, they may provide comfort and support through the use of chat rooms, message boards and forums which may be of benefit to family members and patients.
http://www.usamesotheliomalawyers.com
http://www.curemeso.org/
Article Source: Mesothelioma Malignancy: Occupational Hazards, Symptoms and Solutions
Veterans and Mesothelioma Exposure
Posted by in Uncategorized on March 11th, 2010
Mesothelioma is one of the leading causes of cancer among veterans in the United States. The disease is most prevalent in veterans of the era of the 40s through to the 60s when the use of asbestos was wide spread in the construction of military equipment. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms as a direct result of continuous exposure to asbestos particles. Upon inhalation, the asbestos particles find their way into the deep annals of the lungs where they become logged amongst the tissue and cells. Here they remain ant interact with antibodies released by the body as a direct result of the irritation caused by the asbestos particles and transform the surrounding cells into cancerous cells. This process continues until the entire lining of the lung becomes damaged. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is not easily diagnosed resulting in many veterans being unaware of their condition until the disease becomes irreversible.
Between the 1930 through to the 1970s, the use of asbestos was prevalent in many military constructions. As a result, military veterans from all sections of the armed forces who served in World War 2, Korean War and Vietnam now exhibit after effects of asbestos exposure. The main exposure came from equipment such ships, submarines and airplane in which asbestos was used for insulation purposes.
Navy
US Naval veterans have one of the highest rates of mesothelioma among US veterans. Most of these individuals served in shipyards where they were involved in the construction of ships and submarines for use in the fleet. These vessels were laced with asbestos from end to end due its excellent heat resistance qualities. The asbestos was placed in walls, floors, valve gaskets and around boilers. However, due the lack of knowledge available at the time about the dangers of asbestos exposure, these individuals worked fearlessly to get their orders out.
Army
Although members of the army did not use utilize ships or submarines during their operations, this did not save them from asbestos exposure. Asbestos was a cheap material that could be used in many applications. As a result, asbestos was used to construct sleeping barracks in many locations overseas. It provided good insulation in cold countries, however as the wars progressed, many of these building aged or were damaged by enemy fire causing the asbestos particles to be released into the environment. These side effects still exist for those individuals who still live in the war-ravished areas who still use some of these buildings for living purposes.
Marines
It is a tradition for marines to work closely with the navy as most of their deployment depends on the assistance of the navy. As a result, these marines become exposed to the same contaminated conditions on asbestos-laced vessels. In addition, many of the buildings used the marines while on land were also built from asbestos products.
Air Force
Asbestos is a relatively light material that provides good insulation that was perfect at the time for use in airplane construction. As a result of being enclosed in these small cockpits for extended periods during wars and training, world war 2, Korean and Vietnam veteran pilots have gained the unfortunate post of being second only to navy veterans with the highest rate of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure
Understand Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
Posted by in Uncategorized on February 12th, 2010
While this particular type of cancer is fairly rare, recent decades have shown a dramatic increase in the frequency of cases of these conditions. Men are, more often than not, the majority of people experiencing this disease, but women are far from immune, as there are plenty of female cases too.
Many of these types of negative health conditions can be attributed to exposure to asbestos; the longer your exposure, the more likely you are to get this cancer. Studies have shown that the length of time one spends around asbestos is directly proportionate to the chances of them falling victim to some kind of disease.
Often, people don’t even show any signs of this condition until several years after their initial asbestos exposure; however, the symptoms are similar enough to other common diseases that many people experience that it can be difficult to pin down the exact cause and condition. Diseases like this often leave people with chest pains and shortness of breath; however, if you do incur these symptoms, keep in mind that a lot of other conditions can show these attributes. As you try to get your problem diagnosed, this can make it a lot harder. You also have to consider many other symptoms, so it would help you to learn as much about them before you look for medical help.
When you try to diagnose the problem that you’re facing, the symptoms can often be so similar to other conditions that it makes it difficult to tell them apart. You have to be able to supply a full medical history to your doctor, so he or she can find out if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past. Once you finish this, you have to get MRIs, Cat scans and X-rays done so that the doctor can take a look inside the affected area in order to discern the specific problem. If they see something in the scans, a biopsy may have to be performed so you can find out if it’s mesothelioma.
Once it’s determined that you have mesothelioma, the doctor will then try to determine the stage of the disease you’re experiencing. As soon as they know just how far it’s progressed, they can figure out what kind of treatment to administer. In the event that you get diagnosed early in the cancer’s development, before it’s spread to additional parts of your body, you can have a good chance or removing the growth and getting treated.
If you want to maintain your health, you have to be sure to schedule regular checkups with a doctor. This way, the doctor can find out what’s going on with you, and if you’ve developed anything you should be concerned about. For further preventative maintenance, you should study up on the latest news on treatments and studies of the disease that you have. Keep in mind that all manner of treatments and solutions are being released on a regular basis, so educate yourself on your possibilities.
Understand better adenocarcinoma lung cancer and explore cancer peritoneal mesothelioma and diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Lawsuits Maryland
Posted by in Uncategorized on February 9th, 2010
People suffering from Mesothelioma are given the legal right by Maryland law to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs because of asbestos exposure. You are more prone to this disease if you have worked where the possibility of inhaling asbestos particles was high. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you can get compensation from the party responsible for your exposure to asbestos through a Mesothelioma lawsuit.
Starting a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Maryland
To initiate a Mesothelioma lawsuit in Maryland, you need to hire a Mesothelioma attorney. Your Mesothelioma attorney can recover hundreds of thousands of dollars that can help you and you your family financially. The best Mesothelioma attorneys have experience of more than ten years in handling such cases and know well how to participate in the court proceedings. Before hiring any Mesothelioma attorney , it is always best to ask questions such as how much time they will require for the case resolution, what amount you can expect in the form of compensation and how they charge their fees.
Details
Once you have found a good Mesothelioma attorney, you need to provide all important details to your Mesothelioma attorney. This includes documents related to diagnosis and prognosis of disease as well as how much time you were exposed to asbestos and how. Your Mesothelioma lawsuit will be prepared on the basis of these details. In Maryland, you can only file for a lawsuit for a limited time period.
You need to provide your Mesothelioma attorney with details such as the name and address of the company you worked for, the working conditions you encountered and whether you were aware that you were exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit Preparation
To file a Mesothelioma lawsuit in Maryland, it is quite important that you put emphasis on preparation otherwise you may struggle in the court proceeding. Make sure your Mesothelioma attorney is well prepared and has all the necessary documents.
Filing of Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Filing Mesothelioma lawsuit in Maryland is quite a long process so you need to be extra careful. At the time of filing legal document, you need to know what monetary compensation you are interested in getting. Once you file a lawsuit, the opposing party will get some time from the court to prepare a response and possibly settle out of court.
During the time between the lawsuit filing and the trial you need to file motions, gather details regarding your case and have depositions taken. At this time you may get answers to your questions from the opposition party. Every step of your lawsuit will be handled by your Mesothelioma attorney.
Trial
The majority of Mesothelioma lawsuits does not go to trial as most of the time both parties prefer an out of court settlement. Some of the routines that you are going to witness during trial if there is no settlement are jury selection, the making of statements by attorneys, giving of evidences, giving of rebuttals, closing statements by all parties, deliberation by jury and reading of the verdict.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Baltimore
Posted by in Uncategorized on February 2nd, 2010
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer form that occurs because of asbestos exposure. It has an impact on the lining of the lungs and abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is a fatal disease with an average survival time of just one year after diagnosis. Your survival rate can increase if it is diagnosed early. Mesothelioma lawsuits in Baltimore give you an opportunity to file a case against a party that is responsible for your situation.
If you win your Mesothelioma lawsuit, you can easily recover the cost of treatment and get compensation for lost earnings. Mesothelioma lawsuit can be quite useful for your family members who will suffer financially due to the high medical bills and loss of income.
Legal Help
Before getting any legal help, it is quite important that you collect as many details regarding your case as you can. As the majority of Mesothelioma cases are linked with asbestos exposure, make sure you have an idea of the location where you have been exposed to asbestos.
Because Mesothelioma symptoms may not appear for up to thirty years after exposure, you may face some issues in determining the exact location of exposure. For example, if you were exposed during work, it is quite vital that you recall all the events that took place at your workplace. The kind of work you were performing will give you an overview of the likely point of asbestos exposure. If you were exposed to asbestos at home, you will need to evaluate everything in more detail to pinpoint the mode of exposure.
Successful Mesothelioma Lawsuit
For a successful Mesothelioma lawsuit, it is of paramount importance that you provide your lawyer accurate and comprehensive details. With so many Mesothelioma lawyers operating in Baltimore, you will not face any problem in finding the right lawyer. Only hire a lawyer who has comprehensive knowledge of Baltimore law.
When you are aware of the reason behind your asbestos exposure, you can file lawsuit against a party that caused the exposure. In order to defend you properly, your Mesothelioma lawyer will need every detail on time or your Mesothelioma case may suffer. Every state has a statute of limitations defining a time frame in which you can file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. In Baltimore, the statute of limitations is set on the basis of your diagnosis time rather than when you were exposed to asbestos.
Convenience
When you file Mesothelioma lawsuits in Baltimore, one thing that you are going to find is that these cases are convenient and easy to handle so you are not going to face any problem with regard to claims. If both parties agree, you have the option of an out of court settlement.
You will need to sign various documents in order to file a claim for Mesothelioma. By signing documents, you give your lawyer the opportunity to gather medical details that are going to play a significant part in the outcome of your case.
During the court proceedings, you need to be well prepared as the opposition lawyer is going to ask you various questions related to your disease. Any mistake can have a negative impact on your case. If you are unsure about anything, it is advisable that you interact with your mesothelioma lawyer before answering something. The kind of evidence you present in court 1will decide the outcome of your case. Often, it is recommended that you provide court with video evidence. Whatever evidence you present, make sure that you do not hide anything from your lawyer. If your lawyer misses any point at the time of court proceeding, it can have a negative impact on your Mesothelioma case.
Beaumont Mesothelioma Lawyers
Posted by in Uncategorized on January 30th, 2010
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos exposure, you need to know your medical and legal options. Mesothelioma is an extremely dangerous diseased, caused by exposure to asbestos. It is important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms listed below:
* Shortness of breath and overall fatigue
* Acute pain in the chest area and abdominal region
* Bowel obstruction
* Blood clotting abnormalities
* Anemia
* Swelling in the abdomen and neck or face
Why do I need to hire a Lawyer?
It is not your fault that you were exposed to asbestos, and it should not be your responsibility to bear the financial burden. This is a terrible disease and you should seek the compensation that you deserve. The treatment can be very expensive and can become a heavy burden on you and your loved ones during such a difficult time.
A mesothelioma case can be very complex and complicated, so you will need the help of a qualified mesothelioma lawyer who will ensure that negligent employers are brought to justice, and you get a beneficial settlement, allowing you to spend quality time with loved ones. You will need to seek the help and advice of a qualified mesothelioma lawyer. The help of a good mesothelioma lawyer will increase your chances of presenting a solid case, and can help you win a nice settlement. A qualified Beaumont mesothelioma lawyer can provide you with information you need and can help you get the full compensation you deserve.
What kind of Compensation can I receive from a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
It depends on several things, such as: are you a smoker, how long ago were you exposed to asbestos, time on the job, and amount of exposure, and other factors. A qualified Beaumont lawyer will present you case, showing that your employer was negligent and will get you the monetary compensation you deserve.
When do I file a lawsuit?
Every state has a different statue of limitation on when you have to file a lawsuit against a company. You may only have a limited amount of time in which a lawsuit can be filed, so it is extremely important that you consult a qualified Beaumont lawyer as soon as possible. If you wait too long to file mesothelioma lawsuit, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be unable to file a lawsuit and could possible end up paying for all your medical expenses. This is why is it crucial that you seek legal action immediately, and get the compensation you deserve.
What should I expect to pay a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Most mesothelioma lawyers can provide a quick analysis of your case at no out-of-pocket or up front charge. In most cases mesothelioma lawyers give a free consultation for your first visit; use this visit to get all your questions answered. Most mesothelioma lawyers in Beaumont charge on a contingency basis. This means that you lawyer only gets pay when you receive compensation for your claim. However, check with your lawyer before signing any agreement or consent form just to make sure that you are in agreement with what is stated on the document.
Where can I find a Good Beaumont Mesothelioma Lawyer?
You will need to select your mesothelioma lawyer with care. A good place to start is online. Many mesothelioma lawyers also have their own web sites, or you can ask your doctor, or look in the yellow pages.
Asbestos Removal – US Fights back Mesothelioma with $ 2Billion Aid
Posted by in Uncategorized on January 24th, 2010
By the time information on the dangers of asbestos inhalation reached the main masses, millions of individuals have already been employed in companies whose buildings contained asbestos. Asbestos was seen as a revolutionary material because of its relatively cheap cost and it high insulating properties. As a result, it was widely used in ducting, piping and wall installations were there was a need to reduce heat transfer. However, it was later realized that manufacturers were concealing the after effects of asbestos exposure due to the high financial gains they were receiving from its production.
Beginning of the end for Asbestos
The awareness of the dangerous side effects of asbestos exposure began in 1966 when a group of workers at an asbestos factory sued the factory for compensation due to their exposure to asbestos. They lost the original case, but the case was reopened in 1970 when the courts ruled in favor of the plaintiff and awarded him $70,000 that would translate to $500,000 today. This gave rise to the passing of the clean air act of 1970 that made asbestos manufacturers liable for lawsuit due to asbestos exposure. This resulted in many of these companies filing bankruptcy and going out of business. However, due to high installation rate of asbestos during the sixties and seventies, many buildings remain laden with asbestos and still pose a risk to their occupants.
Asbestos Removal
There are many schools of thought when it comes to how to deal with asbestos. It is a fact that the dangers of asbestos lies in its inhalation. Therefore, if the asbestos is not disturbed, where its particles would be dislodged into the immediate environment, then it does not pose a threat to the environment. To go further, some argue that removing asbestos poses an even greater threat than leaving it dormant. During its removal, it is natural that the asbestos particles will become dislodged. As a result, those in the immediate environment will be at risk.
As a result, engineers have asbestos removal should be reserved only to buildings schedule for demolition were the particles will become air born after the demolition. Otherwise, if the asbestos can be contained, it would have the same effect of removing it. Some of these proposed measures include deep sealing where asbestos that is good condition is encapsulated in some form of semi-plastic or foam that can prevents its release even if disturbed after. Another proposal, again only if the asbestos is in good condition, is to post labels in buildings that have asbestos used in its construction. This will make individuals aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure and then make decisions accordingly. Finally, all new buildings must be constructed without the use of asbestos.
UN leading the way with Asbestos Removal
In its effort to add its voice to the fight against mesothelioma, the United Nations building will undertake a 2 billion makeover of its office in New York. This makeover involves the removal of all asbestos-based materials, repair leaking roofs and install energy saving devices to reduce its carbon footprint. This project slated to begin in 2014 is to be used as a beacon for the fight of mesothelioma.
Asbestos Removal – US Fights back Mesothelioma with $ 2Billion Aid
Article Source: Asbestos Removal – US Fights back Mesothelioma with $ 2Billion Aid
Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Cancer Risks
Posted by in Uncategorized on January 8th, 2010
Covering our internal organs, the mesothelium is a protective tissue that lubricates and protects our internal organs thus allowing our lungs to breathe and our heart to contract or expand without any discomfort for us. The mesothelium tissue covering our lungs is known as the pleura. The mesothelium membrane located in our abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum, and the mesothelium membrane covering our heart is known as the pericardium. This fine tissue, the mesothelium enables breathing and heart beating therefore being essential to our survival.
This article focuses on a specific disease affecting the mesothelium – the mesothelium cancer known simply as mesothelioma. Though mesothelioma is considered a rare condition, this awful disease affects lots of people from all corners of the world and it is almost entirely caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was used intensively as a flexible and very resistant material for constructions until recently because it has valuable properties but its effect on human health is devastating. Almost all cases of mesothelium cancer are linked to an exposure to this material and today almost all countries ban the use of asbestos due to its risks for human health. Almost all mesothelioma patients have a long asbestos exposure history at their workplace.
Because only a very long exposure to asbestos leads to the mesothelium cancer most people suffering from this condition are older people of over 60 or 65 years of age and mostly men suffer from this disease. Fortunately there are fewer cases of mesothelioma every year in the Unites States of America but Europe and other parts of the world register an increasing number of asbestos related mesothelium cancer cases. In 2005 European countries banned the use of asbestos in any sector of the economy and hopefully fewer and fewer people will be diagnosed with this cancer over the next few years in Europe.
Still, if you can think of times when you were working with asbestos or you were exposed in any way to this material, you should seek expert medical advice as chances are a mesothelium cancer may be developing in your body and discovering this condition in time is the only way to overcome this life threatening disease. You should keep in mind that mesothelioma is very quiet in its initial stages and you might easily ignore its early symptoms. This is why you should take your time now and remember all your past asbestos contact at the workplace. If you think you were exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time, even if that happened a long time ago, you need to talk to your physician as soon as possible.
Find out more about mesothelioma and how to detect this disease in its early stages. Visit our comprehensive online mesothelioma guide and find out everything you need to know about mesothelioma.
Article Source: Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Cancer Risks
Mesothelium and Mesothelioma – Some Interesting Facts
Posted by in Uncategorized on December 15th, 2009
Anyone who has mesothelioma or knows someone who has mesothelioma knows the pain and suffering one has to endure from this deadly disease. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Even though this disease is quite rare, it is very serious and in most cases has a lethal outcome. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways.
The term mesothelioma comes from mesothelium, which is a protection covering which shield and coats most of the internal organs of the body such as the heart and lung.
Types of Mesothelium
There are two types of mesothelium: visceral mesothelium and parietal mesothelium.
Visceral Mesothelium: Visceral mesothelium is the mesothelial tissue that closely surrounds the organ in the abdominal cavity.
Parietal Mesothlium: The parietal mesothelium is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and the walls of the chest cavity.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which malignant cells are found in the lining of the chest or Abdomen. This deadly disease can cause abnormal growth and division of the mesothelium cells by invading and damaging the adjusting tissue and organs. The cancer cell can also spread from their original location to other parts of the body. A combination of smoking with asbestos exposure significantly increases a persons’ risk of developing mesothelioma. However mesothelioma has also been reported in some people who have not been exposed to asbestos.
Who Is At Risk For Developing Mesothelioma?
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. The heavier the exposure to asbestos the higher your chances are of developing mesothelioma, plus the length of exposure time also increases your risk. However research show that some individual with only a brief amount of exposure have also developed mesothelioma; Likewise not everyone who is heavily exposed to asbestos developed mesothelioma. Smoking combined with asbestos exposure can increase your risk of developing cancer of the air passage in the lung.
There have also been reports of family members and those who come in contact with asbestos workers are also at risk for developing mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease. Family members can reduce their chances of exposure to asbestos fibers if asbestos workers shower and change before leaving the workplace.
What Are Some Of The Signs And Symptoms Of Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Some of the signs and symptoms include: weight loss, shortness of breath, fatigue, acute pain in the abdominal region and chest area, abdominal swelling, anemia, just to name a few.
Is Mesothelioma A Death Sentence?
About twenty years ago the answer would be yes, but this is no longer the case today. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is critical that you seek immediate medical treatment.
What Are Some Of The Treatments Used For Mesothelioma?
It depends on the stage of the disease, the location of the cancer and the patient’s overall health and age. Some of the mesothelioma treatments include: conventional therapies, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and or a combination of treatment and medications.
Mesothelium and Mesothelioma – Some Interesting Facts
Article Source: Mesothelium and Mesothelioma – Some Interesting Facts
Mesothelioma – The Zonolite Product Problem
Posted by in Uncategorized on November 26th, 2009
The asbestos-Mesothelioma link is one that has been discussed over and over. The clear scientific consensus is asbestos exposure can lead to Mesothelioma in certain circumstances. Zonolite is one example of how indirect exposure can occur.
Asbestos has developed a certain “go to” factor in the media. When things are slow, you can always do a piece on asbestos and how it is leading to horrific health problems for someone. The vast majority of these productions involve workers who were exposed in the workplace be it an oil refinery, shipyard, factory or wherever. While these cases definitely exist and are very serious, you can be exposed in much less dramatic circumstances. Zonolite is a perfect example.
What is Zonolite? It is the brand name under which most Vermiculite was sold. Vermiculite was used for a host of purposes, but mostly as insulation in homes and buildings. The product was sold as a “do it yourself” form of insulation by W.R. Grace. The idea was that homeowners could buy the product and then add it to their pre-existing insulation for the purpose of creating a better house envelope that would reduce energy bills.
This may seem somewhat superfluous, but it is not. From 1919 to the 1990s, the vast majority of Vermiculite was mined outside of Libby, Montana. Yes, the same area of mines where asbestos was found naturally. You can probably guess where this is headed. Studies of the Vermiculite mined outside of Libby found the material was infused with asbestos from the mines. W.R. Grace argued it was barely in the product, but quickly discontinued it.
Unfortunately, Zonolite was a huge commercial success. The federal government has estimated it was used in over 30 million homes. It remains in most of these homes undiscovered because the “do it yourself” nature of the product means there are few records showing where it was used.
If you are considering doing some home improvement work, you need to keep an eye out for Zonolite. It tends to be brown and looks like a loose gravel. The most common use was between the joists that separated the attic from the ceiling in rooms. It could, however, be in the walls as well. If found, do not try to remove it yourself. The dust can be deadly and lead to problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer and Mesothelioma.
Asbestos is often touted as a workplace problem. It is, but it is also found in plenty of products in the home, buildings and even schools. If you have any suspicion whatsoever that Zonolite or another asbestos bearing product was used in your home, contact an asbestos removal specialist.
Thomas Ajava writes for GeorgiaMesotheliomaInjuries.com – read more about Georgia Mesothelioma injuries and developments in the peach state.
