Although asbestos is largely outlawed in the developed world, it is still a massive industry in the developing world and killing tens of thousands of people each year.

In India it is a $2 billion industry with at least 100 manufacturing plants and employing some 300,000 people. The asbestos is used to make corrugated roofing sheets, wall panels and pipes which sell at cheaper prices than those made of other materials.

The International Labor Organization, World Health Organization, the wider medical community and more than 50 countries say it should be banned as asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause many diseases. The ILO estimates 100,000 people die every year from workplace exposure, and experts believe thousands more die from exposure outside the workplace.

However, industry members in India say the dangers are overblown, and that they have the relevant safety procedures in place. Nevertheless, residents living near the factories often demonstrate their concerns as to how the presence of asbestos factories near their homes could lead to health hazards for them and many of the workers in the factories have confirmed that they are only given masks to wear on days when inspections take place.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation. You may be entitled to an asbestos payout as part of an individual or class action lawsuit.

The Capitol was closed recently due to the discovery of asbestos insulation around pipes and vents in a staircase on the fourth floor of the building.

Workers were removing insulation on the East Grand Staircase which goes from the first to the third floor, but once the discovery was made, samples were taken to a laboratory for analysis. The analysis showed that the levels of asbestos were not significant.

The House side of the Capitol was temporarily closed with a two hour delay of the day’s session, but was reopened once the results of the analysis were known, however the staircase itself remains closed. The Senate is at the other end of the 751-foot-long building.

It is not surprising that asbestos was found in the building as construction of the main section of the center of the Capitol in Washington began in 1793 and was finished in 1826.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a term used to refer to a group of naturally occurring minerals which have been used for thousands of years due to their ability to easily be separated into thin fibers which are resistant to heat and fire, and are not electrically conductive.

How is Asbestos Used?

Asbestos has been used in a variety of manufacturing industries in America since the 1800s.  It has been added to cement and plastics as a strengthening and insulation agent, been used in various different fireproofing products, and been used in various insulation products products as well.  Asbestos can also be found in some older garden products and even older crayons.

Where is Asbestos Found?

There are currently millions of buildings and products which are contaminated with asbestos in the United States.  No one knows exactly how many buildings in the U.S. are contaminated with the substance, but it is widely known that many people continue to unknowingly work in such buildings.

What Diseases Does Asbestos Cause?

Asbestos leads to a number of diseases including:

Asbestosis – This non-cancerous, chronic, respiratory disease causes its victims to have shortness of breath and a crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling.

Lung Cancer – Asbestos exposure is known to increase a person’s likelihood of developing lung cancer by at least five times.  Lung cancer is a very serious disease and is often times deadly.

Mesothelioma – All cases of mesothelioma are related to asbestos exposure.  This rare cancer is extremely debilitating and deadly.

What is My Likelihood of Developing Asbestos Related Disease?

Researchers say that every person will be exposed to some level of asbestos during their lifetimes, as the substance is found in the air, water, and soil.  However, the vast majority of people will never come into significant enough contact with the substance to become ill from it.  Usually, those who fall ill from asbestos related diseases have been exposed to the substance on a regular basis over a significant period of time.

Brayton Purcell, LLP – (800) 598-0314  – Contact us online for a free consultation regarding getting you the compensation you deserve.