Chapter 1 of a book titled Community Development in a Legacy City is called “The Cleveland Legacy: Rust Belt Blues.” The book explains that Cleveland was an unplanned boom town that was built on the lake shore near industry-coveted raw materials.
In the 1920s, Cleveland was the sixth-largest city in the United States. Today it has fallen to almost sixtieth place.
Cleveland quickly rose to the top of the industrial world as John D. Rockefeller’s oil business grew. Standard Oil manufactured over 300 products that used oil as their base. Smokestacks were a big feature of the Cleveland skyline.
Cleveland boasted almost 1,000,000 residents in 1950 but then a severe decline ensued, and the city was left with many deteriorating manufacturing plants. It naturally follows that many of these plants harbor dangerous asbestos particles.
Cleveland Clinic Advice
The world-renowned Cleveland Clinic tells us that asbestos is a group of natural mineral fibers. These fibers are known for their tensile strength. Asbestos fibers are fire and chemical-resistant. They make cement stronger, they absorb sound, they are great insulators and they make vehicles and buildings more fireproof.
The Problem With Asbestos in Cleveland
Unfortunately, asbestos fibers are lethal when inhaled or ingested. Worse yet, the effects of these fibers may not manifest for up to 50 years following exposure. When asbestos contact finally causes symptoms, however, the effects can be severe and victims can present with:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Lung Cancer
- Lung scarring
- Gastro-intestinal tract diseases and cancers
Where Asbestos Can be Found in Cleveland
Construction products can contain asbestos, and following are the most common:
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor adhesives and tiles
- Pipe insulation
- Duct insulation
- Furnace insulation
- Electrical wire insulation
- Drywall joint compound
In the home and garage, asbestos can be found here:
- Car brake pads
- Oven mitts
- Ironing boards
- Attic insulation
- House shingles
- Home siding
Undisturbed Asbestos is Better
Even if you have asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in your home, problems will not automatically occur if the asbestos is left alone and the fibers are not allowed to escape. When the particles are allowed to become airborne, however, big trouble can result.
Is Asbestos Illegal?
The United States seriously regulated asbestos beginning in the 1970s, but the substance is not yet entirely banned. And, buildings built earlier in the 20th century commonly contain asbestos; as they are remodeled, damaged, or demolished, asbestos abatement and remediation become a big issue.
Current Cleveland Asbestos Exposure Sites
- American Greetings
- Eaton
- Gulf States Steel
- Nashville Bridge
- Key Gas Components
- O & D Drywall
- Standard Oil
- Toledo Overseas Terminals
- Truline Aluminum Casting
- LTV Steel
Have You Been Exposed? You Need a Cleveland Mesothelioma Attorney
If you are worried about asbestos in or near your home or workplace, you need to contact a qualified Cleveland Mesothelioma Attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call an experienced Throneberry Law Group attorney today at (888) 506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.
