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Asbestos Is Legal and Currently Used in U.S. Manufacturing

June 15, 2014 By

Asbestos has been in the news as a deadly cancer causing substance for decades. For this reason the average American could be excused for thinking that asbestos has been outlawed. But, as the following Reuters investigations video shows, asbestos is not illegal, and in fact continues to be used in the manufacture of countless products in the country.

http://youtu.be/RZm7u6z6tLI

The reason asbestos continues to be used in industrial settings, according to the video include:

  • Physical strength
  • Thermal resistance
  • Chemical resistance

The debate surrounding dangers posed by different forms of asbestos, and whether or not the substance should have a future in American industry, continues. Those who have fallen ill from asbestos related diseases, and the survivors of those who have died from such diseases, understandably would prefer that asbestos be completely removed from American manufacturing processes, or at least be significantly reduced.

However, as can be seen in the video, there are those who continue to downplay the dangers of some forms of asbestos and advocate the continued use of these so-called less dangerous incarnations of the mineral.

If you or someone you know has suffered the results of 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.

Filed Under: california asbestos

Appeals Court Rules that “Second Hand” Asbestos Suit Can Proceed

May 25, 2014 By

Asbestos related diseases are caused by exposure to the substance, which lodges itself in an individual’s lungs and overtime causes the lungs to become inflamed and develop cancer. Asbestos is a light, malleable, and breathable substance, and hence can be carried on a person’s clothing, only to be breathed or inhaled by another person at a later time. In recent years businesses have been held responsible for their having used asbestos in common products, but not warning consumers, vendors, and contractors who would come in contact with these products. But companies have resisted efforts which would see them implicated in the illnesses suffered by these individuals’ families as a result of being exposed to those who had been exposed to asbestos.

Recently an Appeals Court ruled that an asbestos related lawsuit, in which a 49 year old truck driver claimed that his exposure to his uncle, who worked with asbestos, caused his own asbestos related cancer, could proceed. The court ruled that, though the company could not be held responsible for the asbestos related illnesses of everyone who came in contact with those who work in asbestos heavy fields, the company could potentially be held responsible for people who live in their homes and “who are likely to be affected by toxic materials brought home on the worker’s clothing,”

This ruling, by the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco, is yet another indication that the courts are sensitive to the fatal diseases stemming from asbestos.

If you or someone you know has suffered the results of 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.

Filed Under: california asbestos, California Mesothelioma

-video- How Asbestos Causes Fatal Lung Diseases

May 8, 2014 By

Most Americans probably know that asbestos can cause deadly respiratory illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. But while this fact is widely known, the way in which asbestos damages the human body remains a mystery for the vast majority of the population. In this video we see an explanation of how asbestos interacts with the lungs and causes irreparable will damage.

Asbestos fibers are easily inhaled by humans. When the fibers reach the lungs, they accumulate and irritate the sensitive lung tissues. Over time, as the lungs attempt to remove the foreign objects, the presence of the asbestos causes the lungs to scar. This scarring, can eventually cause asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

As can be seen in this video, officials have known for decades that asbestos is extremely toxic and deadly to humans. But the substance continued to be used because of its otherwise useful properties, and the fact that business people were profiting so handsomely from its applications.

If you or someone you know has suffered the results of 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.

Filed Under: california asbestos, California Mesothelioma

Asbestos Around the House

April 29, 2014 By

In the past several decades and asbestos was used in the manufacture of thousands of different kinds of products.  Many people with older homes likely have asbestos in their residences, though depending on the location and form of the substance, there may or may not be much to worry about. Take a look at this video for more information. It was produced for the Australian market, but contains tons of valuable information nevertheless.


While it is not possible to give a full accounting of all the likely places you will find asbestos, take a look at this list of some of the more common products which may have been manufactured with or treated with asbestos.

  • Acoustical plaster
  • Asphalt floor tiles
  • Base flashing
  • Brake linings
  • Brake pads
  • Carpet mastic
  • Ceiling panels
  • Ceiling texture (Popcorn texture)
  • Ceiling tile mastic
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Chimney flue lining
  • Clutch plates
  • Ducts
  • Felt
  • Fire blankets
  • Fire curtains
  • Fire doors
  • Floor tile mastic
  • Pipes
  • Shingles
  • Siding
  • Spray-on fireproofing
  • Tar or “Black Jack”
  • Vapor barriers
  • Vermiculite
  • Vinyl floor tiles
  • Vinyl sheet flooring (linoleum)
  • Wall panels

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

Filed Under: california asbestos

Two California Men Sentenced for Improper Asbestos Clean Up

April 7, 2014 By

As the country continues to clean up millions of buildings which have been treated with cancer causing asbestos, stories of abuses among contractors and other people in positions of power continue to trickle out.  One of the most recent cases involves contractors who were working at a former Air Force base in California.

In order to safely remove asbestos from buildings, significant protective equipment is recommended.  This equipment includes protective gear for the face, special suits to protect the body – called Tyvek suits, and even footwear coverings.  So when two men, operators of a nonprofit called Firm Build, used high school students and subcontractors to help them help them remove 1000 feet of piping – which contained asbestos – from a former Air Force base, they were supposed to ensure that all the workers wore the required protective gear.  But, in failing to do so, not only did they put the workers’ health in jeopardy, but they also violated Federal law.  Now the men have been sentenced to prison for their crimes.

The former president of Firm Build was sentenced to 27 months in prison, while its former administrative officer was sentenced to 24 months in prison.  To a third man, who was also involved, has yet to be sentenced.

As can be seen, companies continue to act irresponsibly when it comes to handling asbestos. If you or a loved one has become sick or injured as a result of asbestos exposure, call the attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, now at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online for a free consultation regarding getting you the compensation you deserve.

Filed Under: california asbestos
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