Asbestos is a natural mineral that was mined for use in a variety of products during the twentieth century. Due to its strong insulation qualities, it was widely used for decades in products that required temperature transfer resistance or heat containment, especially home and construction products.
In 1980, the federal government banned the use of asbestos-containing products due to evidence that these products led to an increased risk of mesothelioma and other rare forms of cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, any product containing 1% or more asbestos is considered to be an asbestos-containing product.
The peak years for asbestos usage in products were 1950-1975. Its fibers mirrored cotton and wool in softness, yet it is significantly more flame and acid resistant than these other materials. As a result, asbestos was frequently used in fireproof garments. Many gas masks also contained asbestos.
Its temperature and heat resistant properties made asbestos a common material used in insulation for:
- Pipes
- Boilers
- Electrical products
Many vehicles used asbestos in brake linings and clutch pads. The construction and shipping industries also relied heavily on asbestos for products such as:
- Cement pipes
- Packing
- Jointing
- Gaskets
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Paneling
- Roofing shingles
- Asphalt coats and sealant
If you have developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure at work, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. The experienced Maryland asbestos lawyers at Brown | Kiely, LLP have recovered millions of dollars in damages for asbestos and mesothelioma victims. We have the skills and resources to handle these complex personal injury claims.
If you have an asbestos or mesothelioma claim in the Baltimore, Maryland or Washington, D.C. area, please contact our Maryland asbestos lawyers today to schedule your initial consultation.
