Asbestos Containing Materials

NIST Scientists Discover a Cost-Effective and Easier Technique for Asbestos Detection

July 24, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos, a mineral that was used extensively throughout much of the 20^th century, can cause aggressive and fatal illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. While the use of asbestos has virtually been eliminated, this substance remains a huge threat to this day. Legacy asbestos, which refers to asbestos-containing materials that were installed in buildings, structures, or products before the dangers of asbestos became widely known, poses ongoing risks if disturbed or damaged. Because of the threat posed by asbestos, detecting the presence of this substance is crucial.

For a long time, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been the go-to method for detecting asbestos in schools, factories, and other buildings. To test for asbestos in buildings, inspectors have had to collect samples from the buildings and submit them to a specialized lab with highly trained staff for examination using TEM. Some states require or recommend using TEM for asbestos testing during the removal process in commercial properties.

However, transmission electron microscopy is complex and can be expensive. Another method that can be used to test for asbestos is phase contrast microscopy. This method is less costly and easier than TEM but less accurate. Now, researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) say they have found a better way of detecting asbestos. NIST researchers Jason Holm and Elisabeth Mansfield say scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be a suitable substitute for TEM in asbestos testing. The researchers say that SEM can produce results comparable to TEM. SEM, which is cheaper and more convenient than TEM, could speed up and reduce the expenses associated with asbestos remediation in the U.S.

What if I Buy a House That Contains Asbestos?

July 22, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is a well-known hazardous substance that can lead to the development of several illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. It can be unsafe to live in a house that contains asbestos. Before buying a house, it is crucial to understand whether it contains asbestos. In most of the United States, home sellers are required to disclose any major defects to buyers. Most state laws require sellers to make formal property disclosures covering major home components, systems, and conditions, including whether a home contains asbestos. This ensures buyer education and precaution and the proper proactive steps are taken before physical handling/renovation/demolition. So, what if you buy a house containing asbestos? If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, it is vital that you don’t handle the suspected area by yourself. You should contact an asbestos abatement company. Read on for more information.

Many Old Houses in the U.S. Contain Asbestos

America has a long history of asbestos use. Asbestos has been in use in the United States since the 19^th century. However, in the 1970s, the U.S. began regulating asbestos after studies linked asbestos exposure to severe illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. This led to the EPA and OSHA implementing strict rules and regulations. However, despite reduced use, asbestos remains in many old buildings, including homes. Asbestos was used in many homes because of its fireproofing and insulation properties. In the United States, many homes built before the 1980s contain asbestos. Asbestos materials in homes that may contain asbestos include roofing, insulation, and textured paint.

Chicago Jury Awards Mesothelioma-Stricken Former Brick Mason $7.4 Million in Compensation for work at Inland Steel

June 22, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as A.J.C.

In a recent court decision, a Chicago jury awarded a mesothelioma victim who used to work as a brick mason $7.4 million in compensation after a two-week trial. Mesothelioma is an aggressive illness that develops after someone is exposed to asbestos fibers. A.J.C. was exposed to asbestos while working as a brick mason at Inland Steel. 30% of the liability was assigned to Foseco who manufactured hot tops for steel manufacturing and the other 70% to an insulation contractor, Paul J. Krez.

According to the evidence presented in court, A.J.C. was diagnosed with mesothelioma in early 2023 when he was 76 years old. While getting treatment at the University of Chicago, A.J.C. embarked on a pursuit for answers. A.J.C. explored his work history for potential asbestos exposure and thought back to when he worked at Inland Steel about six decades ago. A.J.C. recalled being around asbestos during the years he worked in the company. He worked at Inland Steel in 1965 and then served in the army for three years before returning to the steel company. For the rest of his career, A.J.C. worked at Inland Steel. Mesothelioma has a long latency period. It can take up to six decades or more for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure.

What Should I Do if I Find Asbestos in a School?

April 5, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos was once widely used in the construction industry because of its fire-resistant and insulation properties. After the dangers of this material became widely known, its use was limited. The use of asbestos has been regulated in the United States of America since the early 1970s. However, because many buildings built before the 1980s were constructed using asbestos-contaminated materials, it is common for asbestos to still be present in buildings, including school buildings. The issue is that if asbestos remains undetected in a school building, it may be accidentally disturbed. Asbestos is harmless if left undisturbed. However, if disturbed, it can result in tiny microscopic fibers being released into the air, which, when inhaled or ingested, can cause serious health issues. If no one knows of the existence of asbestos in a school, teachers, other staff, students, parents, and other community members may continually breathe in those fibers without realizing it. If asbestos is discovered in a school, it can save many people’s lives. But what should you do if you find asbestos in a school? Read on to find out.

What to Do if You Discover Asbestos in a School

Prompt and careful action is necessary after asbestos is discovered in a school. If there is asbestos in a school, the following are the steps to take to ensure your safety and the safety of others;

Fireproofing Materials Used in World Trade Center Alleged to Cause Mesothelioma

February 19, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the widow in this case will be referred to as Mrs. M.B.R., and the late husband will be referred to as Mr. R.

In a recent legal battle in the New York Supreme Court between a mesothelioma widow and Arconic, Inc., the judge presiding over the case denied Arconic’s motion to dismiss the claim against them. Arconic, Inc. is just one of the multiple companies named in the personal injury claim. According to Mrs. M.B.R., the defendants are responsible for having exposed her late husband to asbestos.

Mrs. M.B.R.’s late husband used to work at the World Trade Center construction site. According to the mesothelioma widow, during the time her husband worked at the World Trade Center construction site, the Arconic’s fire-proofing spray her husband worked with led to him being exposed to asbestos, which, in turn, led to him developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium (the thin tissue covering most of your internal organs). Arconic, Inc. did not take these allegations lightly and decided to counter the accusations by filing a motion to dismiss with the court. According to Arconic, they stopped using asbestos-containing products after 1970. The company argued that Mr. R started working at the World Trade Center after the company had stopped using asbestos-contaminated products.

Dangers of Improper Asbestos Disposal

November 27, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

It is crucial to handle asbestos safely. People should avoid performing asbestos removal themselves. Asbestos removal is a job that should be left to professionals. Ensuring that asbestos is disposed of correctly after removal is also crucial. Asbestos or asbestos-contaminated products should not be dumped just anywhere. Failure to properly dispose of asbestos can put people around the asbestos in danger. Any individual who wants to remove asbestos from a property should ensure that they seek the help of professionals. Hiring an asbestos abatement company is the only way to remove and dispose of asbestos safely.

The Proper Way of Disposing of Asbestos

When property owners want to remove asbestos, they must follow the proper steps. Failure to follow the right steps can put many people in danger. The first step to ensure proper removal and disposal of asbestos is hiring a certified asbestos abatement company. The first thing an asbestos abatement company will do is determine if asbestos is present. Sometimes, a person might think that asbestos is present when it really isn’t. If it is determined that asbestos is present, the next step will be to apply for permits. No demolition or renovation can begin until permits have been granted.

Five Surprising Sources of Asbestos

November 20, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause serious health problems. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, several illnesses can occur, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Some of the most common ways people get exposed to asbestos include working in a construction site, working as an auto mechanic, working in a shipyard, working in industries such as manufacturing and power plants, and serving in the military. However, while these are the most common ways people get exposed to asbestos, they are not the only ways. There are many other less commonly known sources of asbestos. In this article, we share five surprising sources of asbestos.

Surprising Sources of Asbestos

Many people think that asbestos exposure is a problem for certain people. The truth is that asbestos exposure is a problem for everyone. Asbestos can be found in many everyday consumer products, meaning everyone is at risk of exposure. The following are some consumer products that could contain asbestos;

Crucial Things You Should Know About Secondary Asbestos Exposure

October 26, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

There are two types of asbestos exposure — primary and secondary exposure. Primary asbestos exposure, also called occupational exposure, occurs when someone who works with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials suffers exposure at work. Occupations at great risk of asbestos exposure include construction, firefighting, power plant, shipyard, mining, factory, and boiler work. Secondary exposure, which is also called second-hand exposure, is when someone who does not directly work with asbestos or asbestos-contaminated materials suffers asbestos exposure. Most people know about primary asbestos exposure, but some people do not know about secondary exposure. Some people do not know that secondary asbestos exposure can lead to asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Below, we share some crucial things you need to know about secondary asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Fibers are Not Confined to a Work Space

Asbestos fibers are not confined to a work environment. These tiny fibers can find their way out of a work environment. Asbestos fibers can get stuck on, for example, a construction worker’s clothes, hair, or skin. The worker can then unknowingly carry the asbestos fibers home. This may then lead to the people living with the construction workers suffering asbestos exposure. For example, the worker’s spouse may suffer asbestos exposure when cleaning asbestos-contaminated clothes. This is how secondary asbestos exposure occurs.

Five Crucial Things to Know About Asbestos and Mesothelioma

June 9, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might be eligible to file a legal claim against the party or parties responsible for the asbestos exposure and recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the company responsible for the asbestos exposure declared bankruptcy, you may be eligible to file an asbestos trust fund claim. When it comes to asbestos and mesothelioma, there are several crucial things you need to know. This article discusses five of the most vital things you need to know about asbestos and mesothelioma.

Asbestos Has Been Used in Many Industries and Products

Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance, asbestos has been used in several industries. For example, it has been used in the construction and shipbuilding industry. Asbestos has been used in automotive and insulation manufacturing. This naturally-occurring mineral can also be found in, among others, the following materials and products:

Legacy Asbestos: Some Crucial Information You Should Have

March 3, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is a substance that can cause several life-threatening diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. This dangerous mineral is no longer used as frequently as it was many years ago because of strict regulations. Unfortunately, even though asbestos is no longer being used as it was before the 1980s, there is a significant risk of people being exposed to legacy asbestos.

What is Legacy Asbestos?

Legacy asbestos was put in place before governments started regulating the use of asbestos, but it still presents a hazard. The passing of time and forgetting of asbestos that was put in place many years ago is what causes asbestos to become legacy asbestos. Unfortunately, most people do not know that legacy asbestos exists, and that is what makes legacy asbestos so dangerous.