Asbestos

January 13, 2022

A Turning Point in the Battle to Ban Asbestos?

The battle to protect US citizens from asbestos has been lengthy, with 40,000 Americans losing their lives annually due to exposure. Numerous settlements have been reached but with little impact in providing the real protection necessary. Concurrently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been anything but comprehensive in its work to identify the actual dangers of all forms of asbestos. For years, they attempted to impose regulations governed by the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) with little success. Meanwhile, people died from exposure to seemingly harmless insulation, plaster, and floor tiles in homes, schools, and places of employment. Still, […]
December 20, 2021

What should I do if I suspect exposure to asbestos?

The news startled you and everyone else where you worked. Evidence exists of asbestos exposure in the workplace. Inhaling its particles which may lead to serious health complications. Now that you suspect asbestos exposure, what do you do? Contact your doctor and explore legal options If you were recently exposed to asbestos, please understand that the signs of illness such as mesothelioma do not surface for decades. However, it would be a much different story if you have been regularly exposed to asbestos in the workplace for decades and only learned about it now. Here is what you need to do: Immediately […]
November 23, 2021

Businessman Convicted of Illegally Dumping Asbestos

A Chico, California, businessman found out the hard way that the improper disposal of asbestos can be costly. Meanwhile, his neighbors face uncertainty as to whether their lives were endangered by potential exposure to the toxic mineral illegally dumped near their residences. Prosecutors contended that the asbestos was disposed of in a way that would [...]
November 16, 2021

The potential link between 9/11 first responders and cancer

ERROR Every year, various media outlets commemorate the September 11 terrorist attacks. They often look back at past events related to the attacks, but also the continuing impact on surviving family members and first responders. Countless firefighters courageously ran towards, not away from the horrific sites. Those who survived are dealing with the aftermath of [...]
November 11, 2021

Firefighters Exposed to Asbestos During Warehouse Blaze

ERROR Individuals in numerous occupations are at risk for devastating asbestos exposure. Firefighters and other first responders must rush into dangerous situations that often hide unforeseen hazards. Unfortunately, one of these risks is exposure to asbestos-contaminated building materials as they burn and crumble away. A three-alarm fire in Austin, Texas, exposed 115 firefighters and civilians [...]
November 5, 2021

Who is at most risk for an asbestos-related disease?

ERROR Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer and other severe lung diseases. However, despite the high risks of asbestos, many workers still handle it to carry out their work duties in the United States. The chemical and heat resistant properties of asbestos make it useful for different industries. However, the consequence for workers who have [...]
November 3, 2021

Safety precautions can prevent asbestos exposure

ERROR With the United States still allowing the importation of asbestos, those who live and work around the dangerous fibers must be vigilant in minimizing potential exposure. The federal government’s “ban” only involves certain products, not all of them. What seems harmless is actually dangerous Countless research studies have proved the disastrous health consequences of [...]
October 11, 2021

Are Asbestos Bans Working?

In spite of mountains of evidence of the dangers posed by asbestos exposure resulting in the countless diagnoses of illnesses that include asbestosis and mesothelioma, the use of these dangerous and deadly fibers continues. Bans have been imposed throughout the world, yet some countries, particularly the United States, still continue their import activities. The JAMA [...]
August 30, 2021

Avoiding Asbestos Exposure After a Fire

It is not uncommon for property owners to encapsulate asbestos-containing building materials rather than remove and eliminate the dangerous components. Encapsulation means that the materials are wrapped or covered to guard against destruction or deterioration. Unfortunately, a building fire can destroy the encapsulation and expose the asbestos-containing materials underneath. Those who enter a fire-damaged building [...]
July 26, 2021

Classic Car Restoration and Asbestos Exposure

Whether as a hobby or a source of income, classic car restoration is a project that requires significant time and resources. Enthusiasts approach these ventures with excitement and anticipation but might not realize the danger they face when handling classic car parts. Unfortunately, countless accessories were manufactured taking advantage of the heat-resistant properties of the [...]