Mesothelioma and Asbestos Law

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is resistant to heat and has many other good qualities. In the United States, about 95% of asbestos used is chrysotile. Asbestos fibers are resistant to heat and they have been used as insulation materials in many residential and commercial buildings throughout the U.S. Here are a few examples of materials that may contain asbestos: vinyl floor tiles, pipe insulation, thermal system insulation on mechanical equipment, acoustical plaster ceilings, ceiling tiles, structural steel fireproofing, and roofing materials. The asbestos in these materials does not pose a health risk to building occupants when they are intact and well maintained. When the material becomes damaged and the asbestos fibers become airborne then an inhalation hazard will result. When inhaled asbestos is hazardous and may cause mesothelioma, lung disease and forms of cancer.

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, which is a cancer of the lining around the abdomen, heart and lungs. Mesothelioma is caused when someone breathes in asbestos dust and fibers. The asbestos fibers and dust get lodged in the lungs or stomach lining, where it can remain for years before the damage becomes noticeable. Mesothelioma has a long latency period where it can take as long as 15 to 50 years for the illness to take effect. In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure may also cause lung cancer, colon cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer.