In the past, asbestos was a popular construction product. It is a mineral made from thin fibers, often found in insulation. Unfortunately, when damaged, the fibers become airborne and become dangerous to anyone who inhales them. After years, people can develop...
What are the most common sources of asbestos exposure?
Though it has been decades since asbestos got banned as a building material, many buildings still stand that underwent construction while asbestos was still an okay product to use. On top of that, many things outside of buildings contain asbestos that you may not even...
Employers owe a duty to protect workers from asbestos
Employees handling materials containing asbestos have a right to protection from the harmful diseases it causes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration established standards designed to reduce workers' exposure to asbestos. Employers must follow OSHA’s...
Categorizing types of asbestos
The word "asbestos" can apply to several different minerals that have similar properties. All can cause cancer and other respiratory illnesses if inhaled. According to Asbestos.com, there are at least six different types of asbestos classified into one of two mineral...
What should you know about atelectasis?
Asbestos exposure over a prolonged period of time can have numerous ill effects on the human body and especially the lungs. Atelectasis, a breathing complication that arises from inhaling foreign objects, is just one of them. This condition may affect the entire lung...
How to prove asbestos exposure was due to negligence
If you developed an illness from asbestos exposure, the company that exposed you may owe damages. However, you must prove their negligence first. According to the EPA, companies must identify and show transparency when manufacturing certain asbestos products. If you...
3 diseases related to asbestos exposure
Restrictions on the use of asbestos in building materials have helped to decrease the incidence of diseases associated with exposure. Nevertheless, older structures may still contain asbestos. This means that there is still a risk of exposure, especially for people...
Accident at chemical plant scatters asbestos debris
Since the primary method of asbestos exposure is the inhalation of its carcinogenic fibers, exposure may happen over many years or all at once. In the event of an accident involving asbestos, it is important to quarantine the area and deal with it carefully. What...
Common indications that your home contains asbestos
Asbestos was once commonly used in homes. Now that the public is widely aware of the health risks associated with this mineral, the Environmental Protection Agency and other government entities regulate its use. Despite these regulations, many older houses still have...
Does the state protect workers from harmful asbestos exposure?
Before the late 1970s, asbestos was commonly used in uncontrolled ways, leading to millions of people becoming sick and even dying from mesothelioma and other diseases. Like other states, Illinois took direction from the federal government to control the use of...