Asbestos is a well-known health hazard, especially for its role in causing mesothelioma, a devastating form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. While many are familiar with its presence in older buildings, insulation, and construction materials, asbestos can still lurk in unexpected places.
For those diagnosed with mesothelioma, identifying the source of asbestos exposure is critical for understanding how their illness occurred and for seeking justice. An experienced Chicago asbestos lawyer knows the surprising places where asbestos can be found and understands why asbestos exposure is dangerous.
The attorneys at Vogelzang Law can help mesothelioma patients pinpoint the source of their asbestos exposure and build a case to seek compensation.
The Known and Lesser-Known Risks of Asbestos
Asbestos was used in many products and industries for its heat-resistant and insulation properties. Despite many restrictions today, asbestos still poses risks, particularly in older structures and products. Here are the most common sources of asbestos exposure many are familiar with:
- Old Building Materials: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, and flooring in buildings constructed before the 1980s.
- Shipyards and Naval Vessels: Shipbuilders and Navy personnel frequently worked with asbestos-containing materials.
- Industrial and Construction Jobs: Many workers in factories and construction sites were exposed to asbestos on the job.
Surprising Places Asbestos May Be Lurking
Asbestos isn’t confined to the well-known settings listed above. It can hide in surprising places, posing a risk even to those who never worked in high-risk industries. Sources of asbestos exposure may include:
Brakes, clutches, and gaskets are key areas where asbestos was commonly used in vehicles. Mechanics and car enthusiasts who work on vintage cars may face asbestos exposure from dust released when handling these parts. Even today, some imported automotive parts contain asbestos. Be cautious when dealing with older cars or replacement parts.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected sources of asbestos exposure is in talcum powder. Talc and asbestos are often found close to each other in the earth, and if the mining process isn’t carefully monitored, talc can become contaminated with asbestos fibers. Many people have used talcum powder for personal hygiene without realizing the risk of asbestos contamination.
Vermiculite, a mineral used for insulation, gardening, and construction, was often contaminated with asbestos. The most notorious example is the vermiculite from the Libby, Montana, mine, which was sold as attic insulation under the brand name Zonolite. Homeowners may not be aware that the vermiculite insulation in their attics could be contaminated with asbestos, leading to exposure when disturbed.
Vinyl flooring, especially tiles made before the 1980s, often contained asbestos. Many homes, schools, and commercial buildings still have old vinyl flooring that could release asbestos fibers when worn down or damaged. Renovations that disturb these tiles can create dangerous asbestos dust, posing risks to anyone in the vicinity.
Gardeners may not realize that some older brands of potting soil contained vermiculite, which, as mentioned earlier, could be contaminated with asbestos. Handling this soil, especially when it is dry and dusty, can release asbestos fibers into the air, leading to potential exposure over time.
It may come as a shock, but asbestos has been used in many household appliances due to its heat resistance. Products like hairdryers, toasters, and irons manufactured before the 1980s often contained asbestos in their components.
Even some older ovens and stoves used asbestos as insulation to prevent heat damage. If you own or have used vintage or antique household appliances, you may have unknowingly been exposed to asbestos fibers released during their operation.
Many people may not realize that they can be exposed to asbestos indirectly through secondary exposure. This occurs when a family member, such as a spouse or child, comes into contact with asbestos fibers brought home on the clothing, hair, or skin of someone who worked in an environment with asbestos.
Even washing asbestos-contaminated clothes can release fibers into the air, putting household members at risk of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, without ever having directly handled asbestos.
Why Asbestos Is So Dangerous
Asbestos is dangerous because of its microscopic fibers, which can become airborne when disturbed. These fibers are easily inhaled and can embed themselves in the lungs, leading to serious health problems over time. Unlike many other materials, asbestos fibers do not break down in the body. This means that even small amounts of exposure can accumulate, increasing the risk of serious illnesses, such as:
- Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by scarring of the lungs due to asbestos exposure.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for those who also smoke.
Because of the long latency period—sometimes 20 to 50 years—between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms, many people do not realize they were exposed until decades later. This is why having a lawyer who understands all potential sources of asbestos exposure can be valuable in identifying who may be liable for your mesothelioma diagnosis.
What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos Is Present
If you suspect asbestos is present in your home, workplace, or in products you use, it’s important to avoid disturbing it. Asbestos is not necessarily dangerous unless its fibers are released into the air. Before attempting to remove or renovate anything that could contain asbestos, follow these precautions:
- Avoid Direct Contact: Do not try to handle or remove asbestos-containing materials yourself. The disturbance can release dangerous fibers.
- Hire a Professional: Contact an asbestos abatement professional to assess the situation. They can safely remove and dispose of asbestos materials.
- Be Cautious with Old Products: If you have older appliances, vehicles, or products that may contain asbestos, consider replacing them with modern alternatives to reduce the risk of exposure.
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, monitor your health and discuss any concerns with your doctor. Regular checkups and early detection can help manage asbestos-related diseases.
Diagnosed with Mesothelioma? The Link to Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, making it one of the few cancers with a clear environmental trigger. However, identifying the exact source of asbestos exposure can be challenging, especially when the exposure occurred decades ago.
Knowing about the surprising places where asbestos might be found can help you narrow down and identify your potential source of exposure. Many mesothelioma patients are unaware of the specific incidents that led to their illness.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it can be daunting to try to investigate the source of the exposure. However, building this connection is essential for pursuing a legal claim.
Don’t try to trace the path of asbestos contamination alone. An experienced mesothelioma attorney knows the suspects in the asbestos industry and how to identify liable parties.
How Vogelzang Law Can Help
Vogelzang Law has dedicated its practice to helping mesothelioma patients and their families seek justice. With years of experience in asbestos litigation, the team understands the unique challenges of these cases and works closely with clients to identify the source of their asbestos exposure, even when it may come from unexpected places.
- Case Investigation: The lawyers at Vogelzang Law will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how and where the asbestos exposure occurred. This may involve examining work history, household products, or environmental factors.
- Building a Strong Case: Once the source of exposure is identified, the team will gather evidence and work with experts to build a strong case that supports your claim.
- Pursuing Compensation: Mesothelioma is a devastating illness, and the financial burden can be overwhelming. Vogelzang Law is committed to pursuing full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll mesothelioma takes on families.
Vogelzang Law handles mesothelioma cases nationwide, ensuring that each case is tailored to the state’s specific laws in which the claim is filed. With compassion and a deep understanding of asbestos-related illnesses, the firm is dedicated to helping mesothelioma patients find the support they need during this difficult time.
Contact Vogelzang Law to Pursue a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Asbestos can be found in more places than most people realize. From household appliances to automotive parts and even potting soil, the risk of exposure is more widespread than many might think.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, knowing about these unexpected sources of asbestos can help you connect your illness to exposure, an important step in seeking compensation.
Vogelzang Law is here to help you navigate the complexities of a mesothelioma lawsuit and fight for the justice you deserve. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Vogelzang Law today to learn how we can help you build your case and pursue a claim. Call our main office in Chicago at 312-466-1669 or contact us online.
