Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that has been in use for thousands of years. It was primarily used to create fireproof materials and insulation. Asbestos mining kicked into high gear at the beginning of the industrial era in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
This was also when the negative effects of asbestos exposure were first discovered when researchers noticed a large number of deaths and lung problems in asbestos-mining towns.
In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) attempted a nationwide phase-out, but a federal court overturned it in 1991. It wasn’t until March 18, 2024, that the U.S. enacted a complete ban on all types of asbestos.
That means there are potentially many sources of asbestos in the U.S.
Asbestos exposure has been cited as the primary cause of an aggressive form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Because the dangers of asbestos exposure have been widely known for decades, companies that did not mitigate the exposure have been held accountable when their workers were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
That’s where an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help.
Frost Law Firm has helped many mesothelioma victims and their families recover compensation from the many trust funds established to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the impact on quality of life.
Primary Sources of Asbestos Exposure
In order to pursue a claim, you have to establish that you had a history of asbestos exposure. These are the primary sources where asbestos exposure could be a genuine risk:
Older Building Materials from the Pre-1980s
There are thousands of commercial buildings, schools, and homes built before the 1980s that contain hidden asbestos. Those common sources include the following:
- Attic insulation
- Furnace wrap
- Pipe insulation
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Ceiling tiles
- Wall adhesives
- Roofing shingles
- Cement siding
- Tar paper
- Joint compounds
- Drywall tape
- Textured paint
Automotive & Mechanical Parts
Because of its heat-resistant properties, asbestos was historically used in friction products.
That means auto mechanics and even home garage tinkerers risk exposure when they handle aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, clutch plates, and gaskets.
The Current Status of Asbestos Regulations in the United States
There are several federal and state agencies that are actively dedicated to providing information about the dangers of asbestos exposure. These agencies also work closely with Congress to help write laws and regulations that protect workers and consumers.
These are the agencies that provide asbestos regulations:
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): The EPA oversees the manufacture, import, and processing of asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). It also limits airborne emissions via the Clean Air Act’s National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Protects workers by establishing strict permissible exposure limits (PEL) in workplaces.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): This agency bans specific consumer products that contain asbestos, such as patching compounds and certain hair dryers.
The EPA finalized a rule on March 18, 2024, that prohibits the ongoing use of chrysotile asbestos. This was the last known type of asbestos imported, processed, and distributed in the U.S. for products such as aftermarket car brakes and sheet gaskets.
Industrial and Occupational Sites With Ongoing Exposure Risks
There are many industrial sites across the country where workers were exposed to asbestos.
Here in Southern California, those sites include:
- National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) Shipyard
- Todd Pacific Shipyards
- Southern California Edison facilities
- Long Beach Naval Shipyard
- Southern Pacific Railroad rail yards
If you or your family have worked at any of those sites, it is a good idea to get examined. Early intervention can help with the prognosis and progression of mesothelioma.
How to Protect Your Family From Hidden Asbestos Hazards
If you live in an older home, any building material that might contain asbestos and is in good condition is considered safe. It’s only when disturbed, and the microscopic fibers are exposed, that there’s a risk. That’s why you should contact an accredited professional to test items such as popcorn ceilings, floor tiles, and piping insulation before you take on any remodeling projects.
If you suspect there might be asbestos in some of the things you’re remodeling, you don’t want to use a broom or standard vacuum to sweep it up.
Instead, you should use a wet mop.
It is never a good idea to remove asbestos on your own. You should contract with an asbestos abatement contractor to ensure safe containment.
Legal Options for Victims of Modern Asbestos Exposure
A mesothelioma diagnosis is going to create a lot of uncertainty. It will also mean significant financial burdens when treatment begins and might prevent you from going to work. If your asbestos exposure was caused by negligence on the part of a property owner, you can file a personal injury lawsuit.
There are many companies and manufacturers that used asbestos that filed for bankruptcy, directly related to their exposure to all the potential lawsuits. As part of their bankruptcy settlements, many of these companies were required to establish a trust fund to compensate current and future victims.
In fact, you might be able to file claims against multiple trusts.
Filing these types of claims can be complex. That is why you need sound legal counsel on your side. Frost Law Firm, PC, has prevailed in many mesothelioma lawsuits. We understand the laws and have extensive knowledge about the available trust funds.
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to understand all your options.
Call to schedule a free consultation and get all your questions answered.
