Asbestos can still be found in a variety of products and materials. Asbestos has never had an outright ban in the US, but its use is regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. There are a few asbestos-containing materials banned by the EPA, including certain types of paper.
Products can contain a certain level of asbestos that the government has deemed safe. The labeling on these products must state they contain asbestos. Generally, products containing asbestos are supposed to be safe as long as they don’t become damaged or deteriorate, which can release the asbestos fibers into the air where they can be inhaled.
The majority of current asbestos usage is in the construction and automotive industries. The following materials may contain asbestos:
- Certain types of insulation
- Some potting soils
- Brake pads
- Vehicle clutches
- Vinyl tile
- Roofing material
No amount of asbestos is safe. Inhaling the fibers even briefly can result in mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you have developed one of these diseases as a result of asbestos exposure, you deserve compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related health condition and want to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney near Washington, DC, please contact the Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP, to schedule a consultation.
