Most of the focus on asbestos exposure and usage is on workers exposed through mining, manufacturing, and other occupations. Yet, many people are continuously exposed to asbestos through normal daily activities.
Asbestos is found in many water supplies, and must be filtered to below the minimum number of particles per milliliter set by regulations. These particles enter the water from air and dirt, as well as from cement piping, which contains asbestos.
Asbestos is no longer used in manufacturing most consumer products. Its use is restricted to construction-related products and friction products, such as brake linings and clutch pads. Any product containing asbestos is required to be clearly labeled as containing such.
Probably the greatest risk to consumers from asbestos in older homes and buildings where asbestos was used in textured paint, as a fire retardant for ceilings, insulation, wall board, countertops, flooring, carpet padding and insulation around heaters, pipes and electrical wiring.
Asbestos was also used in many products prior to the 1970s including hair dryers, home appliances (especially those using heat), electric blankets, and protective gear such as potholders, safety clothing, and other insulation or fire-retardant fabrics.
While the use of asbestos is on the decline, the number of cases of asbestos-caused diseases is increasing. These diseases take forty or more years to develop and the generation most heavily exposed is presenting with an increasing number of cases.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease you might be entitled to damages. Please contact the lawyers experienced in mesothelioma claims at Brown | Kiely, LLP, the Mesothelioma Lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
