What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name of a family of minerals that were mined in the United States, Canada, Australia, Russia, and Africa. In its natural state, asbestos can have a fiber-like appearance, almost like frayed cloth.

Why was asbestos used?

Asbestos withstands heat at very high temperatures. Because of this, and because it was widely available, asbestos was used in insulation products in high temperature applications. Pipe covering was a common example, but also block insulation, cement, cloth, refractory brick, and automotive friction products, to name a few.

What crafts or trades were around asbestos?

Many different crafts, trades, and workers either used asbestos products, or were around other workers who used them. They included:

• insulators
  
• pipefitters
  
• boilermakers
  
• steelworkers
  
• ironworkers
  
• millwrights
  
• welders and tackers
  
• electricians
  
• carpenters
  
• auto mechanics
  
• ship-fitters
  
• operators
  
• laborers
• railroad workers

Many of our veterans who served aboard Navy ships that used steam propulsion were exposed to asbestos  during their service.

Many family members of these workers were also exposed to asbestos from the clothes of their loved one.

Where was asbestos used?

Asbestos-containing products were used in a wide variety of places. Prominent locations were:

• oil refineries
  
• chemical plants
  
• steel mills
  
• aluminum mills
  
• paper mills
  
• power plants
  
• shipyards
  
• commercial and residential building
• roundhouses

These are just a few examples of industrial sites where asbestos was once commonly used.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

When a person inhales enough asbestos, and a long time after breathing it, asbestos can cause cancer, asbestosis, and other health problems.

What is mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, and dangerous cancer of the tissue that surrounds the internal organs of the chest, which is called the "mesothelium." Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos.

What other kinds of cancer are associated with asbestos?

Exposure to asbestos is a well-recognized cause of lung cancer. You may also have a right to compensation if you have a history of asbestos exposure and one of the following cancers:

• laryngeal cancer
  
• pharyngeal cancer
  
• stomach cancer
  
• colorectal cancer
  
• esophageal cancer
  
• ​ovarian cancer
  

Mr. Austin can explain your legal options if you have one of these conditions. He can be reached at (504) 377-5200.

Asbestos