Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Exposure

Rodney's story

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that has been used widely in many industries because it is resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and does not conduct electricity. It is also deadly.

Asbestos was commonly used in the building and construction industries for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing and sound absorption.

The shipbuilding industry used it to insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry still uses asbestos in vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads.

It was also used in ceiling and floor tiles, paints, coatings, adhesives and plastics. In addition, asbestos has been found in vermiculite-containing garden products and some talc-containing crayons. Exposure to asbestos can occur in many ways.

Previously claims were mainly brought by people employed in the asbestos manufacturing industry. Today claims by those employed in the construction industry, schools and other lesser users of asbestos are more common. Environmental claims are also on the rise.

Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer). Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen). Mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure may also increase the risk of asbestosis (an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs) and can lead to other non-malignant lung and pleural disorders, including pleural plaques (changes in the membranes surrounding the lung), pleural thickening, and benign pleural effusions (abnormal collection of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lungs and the wall of the chest cavity).

Although pleural plaques are not precursors to lung cancer, evidence suggests that people with pleural disease caused by exposure to asbestos may be at increased risk of lung cancer.

Types of Asbestos Exposure

Pleural Thickening