We have discussed the dangers of what can happen when asbestos is disturbed. The fiber can be inhaled and cause serious damage to a person lungs and overall health. But what if a person doesn't know what asbestos looks like? Additionally, what should a person do if he or she thinks there is asbestos in their home?
Danger: Is there asbestos right next door?
Not knowing if asbestos is present in a particular location can be quiet frightening. Because asbestos is typically found in pipes, insulation and other building materials that are not usually visible, it is not always obvious to people that they are around the substance. This is why it is extremely important that property owners have the asbestos removed. They should also warn residents of the dangers associated with inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. If property owners fail to do either of these, they could be held responsible for any resulting damages in the form of a premises liability lawsuit.
Genetics may be a factor in developing mesothelioma
Significant research has been done to understand the cause and effects of mesothelioma. This aggressive form of cancer forms in the lining of the chest and is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. As research continues, some scientists are looking into why not everyone exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. Could some have a genetic predisposition to the fatal disease?
Could asbestos have been a factor in the death of Donna Summers?
Reports of the death of Donna Summer saddened her fans across the world. The "Queen of Disco" recently passed away after losing the battle with lung cancer. In the aftermath of her death, some are wondering if asbestos exposure was a factor in the singer's untimely passing.
Asbestos repairs made after 13 years, $173 million
After a long, drawn-out battle to make repairs to a dangerous tunnel system underneath the legislative branch on Capitol Hill, a conclusion has finally been reached. The entire process took 13 years to complete and cost a reported $173 million to repair dangerous conditions related to asbestos. While it is a good thing that the work has finally been completed, workers who were exposed to the asbestos have found little relief in the recent announcement.
Negligent companies should be held liable for asbestos exposure
Right up through the 1980s, asbestos was referred to as the "miracle material" and was used in machines for everything from insulation to fireproof coatings. It is a strong and flexible fiber, can resist fire and extreme heat, and was relatively cheap to get. For these, and other, reasons, asbestos was used widely in many manufacturing and construction industries.
Harsh statute of limitations denies justice to man's widow
An Arizona appeals court has denied a widow the right to sue in the state for her husband's wrongful death. He died of mesothelioma, which is a lung disease often contracted from breathing in asbestos fibers. In this case, he breathed in those fibers while working in a power plant, and his widow sought damages from the designers of the facility.
Is a brake shoe grinder the cause of asbestos exposure?
Up until the late 1980s, asbestos was used in all kinds of materials from insulation to brake pads. This is a well-known fact. However, going back and determining what products were handled in determining the source of asbestos exposure can be difficult. In order to figure that out, it may take some significant legal assistance. Recently, victims of asbestosis were able to reinstate their lawsuits against a company they claim is responsible for their exposure.
Court overturns record-setting $322 million verdict
Last year, a judge ruled that one man would receive $322 million for damages related to asbestos. It was the largest amount awarded to a single plaintiff in the United States. Unfortunately, the company that was sued appealed the decision and the case was retried. On the second round, the company won their case. How could this happen?
University failed to protect workers, despite numerous citations
Workers and a student at the University of South Carolina may have been exposed to asbestos on campus, despite recent fines imposed on the school. Over the course of just the past four years, the school has had to pay over $175,000 for failure to correct irresponsible asbestos-related practices. Because of this, a number of workers were exposed to asbestos.
