Knowing where and how asbestos exposure may occur can be important for health and safety. Knowledge concerning where asbestos can be found allows individuals to be aware of possible exposure. Asbestos can cause a variety of diseases and illnesses that may be fatal, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. For this reason, it is important to monitor exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos can be found in different types of insulation, including insulation in buildings; wall and ceiling insulation; insulation for pipes and boilers; and sprayed fire-proofing insulation. In addition, asbestos may be found in various putties, caulks, cement, and joint compounds in older buildings, as well as in ceiling and floor tiles. Asbestos can also be found in roofing and siding shingles on older buildings and the wall and ceiling texture of older buildings. Asbestos is largely found in older construction but may also be found in brake linings and clutch pads, causing potential exposure for those in the automobile industry. Additional industries may also be impacted by asbestos exposure.
The most dangerous way to be exposed to asbestos is by inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestos is most dangerous when it is friable which means that it can easily be crumbled. In a friable state, asbestos can easily release asbestos fibers which may then be breathed into the lungs or other parts of the body where they become trapped. Spray-on insulation is considered highly friable, however, other locations that asbestos may be found require the material to be disturbed for the fibers to be released into the air.
Victims of asbestos exposure may suffer painful diseases and illnesses and a variety of damages. Understanding how to avoid asbestos exposure, and what to do if exposure has occurred, can be useful for victims and their families. Legal claims for damages may be available when loved ones and family members have been harmed by asbestos exposure.
