Asbestos

Asbestos, a fibrous material, is often in buildings made between the 1930s and 1980s. It was used in building materials such as concrete, plaster, electrical pieces, roofing, siding, vinyl flooring and ceilings. Today, it can still appear in homes and buildings, but we also now know that it can lead to diseases, including cancerous mesothelioma. [...]

Despite millions of deaths and decades of litigation caused by exposure, asbestos is still legal in the United States. While the EPA tried to ban asbestos use in 1989, an industry appeal successful reversed than ban, and Congress has never issued an outright ban, due in large part to pressure from industries. Many experts, activists [...]

The list of industries where employees may experience asbestos exposure is well known. Auto mechanics, HVAC technicians, construction workers, cement plant employees, chemical plant staff members are but a few of the risky professions where being in proximity to toxic material can result in a mesothelioma diagnosis. Sadly, the list continues to grow. The So-Called [...]

When people talk about mesothelioma, the conversation often centers around older, male, blue-collar workers. It was predominantly men that held jobs in high-risk industries such as construction, the manufacturing of building materials, mining, oil refineries and shipyards. This typical conversation leaves out a notable group of mesothelioma victims: the women that lived with these men. [...]

In 1992, Italy banned asbestos after being one of the primary producers and consumers throughout Europe. The decision came nine years after Iceland began the trend by becoming the first country to ban the mining use and commercialization of the deadly mineral. Yet, nearly 30 years later, after joining what is now 60 countries, the [...]

Spring is generally agreed upon as the best time for buying and selling houses. It’s nearing the end of the school year, the weather is warming up and moving will be easy with summer coming. Reports say that 2020 is going to be a seller’s market, so if you’re looking to get out of your [...]

California typically sees two to three large earthquakes a year. At a magnitude of at least 5.5, they are strong enough to damage buildings. While asbestos exposure is nearly synonymous with large corporations who expose their employees, Mother Nature plays a role too. Asbestos can be found in many older construction materials, located in: Roofs [...]

At first glance, banning asbestos in 2017 seemed to be a decision late in coming. Following Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court verdict, the world’s third-largest source of chrysotile asbestos joined 60 countries in prohibiting the mineral three years ago. The decision to cease mining, processing, distribution, and marketing was celebrated worldwide as another step towards a [...]