Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally in soil and rock. It is made up of heat-resistant fibers. Apart from being resistant to heat, asbestos is also resistant to rot and rust. Because of its properties, asbestos is considered a very versatile product. However, as much as asbestos might sound harmless, the truth is that asbestos exposure can lead to the development of aggressive and deadly diseases like mesothelioma. Being exposed to asbestos once is enough to lead to the development of an illness.
Unfortunately, there is still no widespread ban on asbestos in the United States of America. In the U.S., asbestos continues to be used in different products. And even if a ban is put in place, many industries used asbestos in the past for various purposes. It is still possible for asbestos-contaminated products to exist even with an asbestos ban in place.
Asbestos can be found in many places. This dangerous mineral can also be found in places one would not expect. Below is a look at some common and uncommon places where you could find asbestos.
Roofing
Most houses built before the 1980s have asbestos-containing products. Roofing products used to be made with asbestos fibers in an effort to provide, among other things, insulation, durability, strength, and fireproofing properties to buildings. Before the 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in the following roofing products;
- Flashing
- Sealants
- Roof underlayment
- Asphalt roofing felt
- Cement roofing shingles
- Asphalt roofing shingles
However, it is crucial to note that just because a house has asbestos-contaminated roofing does not automatically mean that the people there are in danger of asbestos exposure. If the roofing is in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos exposure will not occur.
In the event that the roofing is in bad shape, it is best to contact an asbestos removal expert. People should avoid removing asbestos themselves without the help of an expert to prevent asbestos exposure.
Wood-Burning Stoves
The floors and walls of a wood-burning stove may be contaminated with asbestos. The following are some of the asbestos-containing materials on wood-burning stoves;
- Door gaskets
- Millboard
- Asbestos paper
- Cement sheet
Vehicle Brakes and Clutches
Car parts such as brakes and clutches employed asbestos to help with preventing fire. Therefore, people should be extremely careful when dealing with these vehicle parts. If, for example, the clutch cover or break disk is removed from a vehicle, asbestos can become airborne.
Insulation
Wall insulation produced with vermiculite likely contains asbestos. This is because most of the insulation used in America is made using vermiculite from a mine near Libby, Montana. At the time of mining vermiculite from this mine, the mine had asbestos deposits.
Home Appliances
Asbestos has been used in several home appliances. Some of the home appliances that may be asbestos-contaminated include;
- Hair dryers
- Toasters
- Coffee pots
- Crock pots
- Popcorn poppers
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
