Asbestos, a naturally occurring silicate material, was used extensively in the United States for much of the 1900s, up until 1980. It was very attractive due to a few characteristics, like its heat resistance and flexibility. It was used in schools, homes, and buildings because it had qualities that most other materials did not have and it was relatively cheap.
This material can become a huge problem when it is disturbed. For instance, if asbestos insulation was used in a home and that home is then renovated, the asbestos can be released into the home, exposing those who live there.
Asbestos in the Home
Asbestos was used in the construction industry, shipbuilding industry, insulation, welding, auto mechanic industry, and more. It was widely used in homes up until 1980. Some products in homes that contained this material included vinyl floor covering, roof shingles and siding, soundproofing or decorative materials, and textured paints.
Regulations
Asbestos is regulated in Pennsylvania in different ways. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has regulations put in place for the removal, transportation, collection, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry enforces the Pennsylvania Asbestos Occupations and Certification Act of 1990. This act makes sure that inspectors, contractors, project designers, supervisors, workers, and management planners all have a certification.
Asbestos on Ships
Asbestos was used a lot to build ships prior to 1980. This has caused many navy veterans to develop asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. Over 300 asbestos-containing materials were used on ships until the public started to become aware of how hazardous a material it is. Some products/materials that contained this material on US Navy ships were boilers, cables, block insulation, adhesives, pumps, valves, and packing materials. This is not even close to all the materials that contained asbestos on these ships.
The Automotive Industry and Asbestos
This material was also widely used in the automotive industry, in brakes, clutches, and gaskets. Anyone who worked on cars is at a risk for developing mesothelioma. Since automotive parts contain friction and high temperatures, it was the ideal material. Some other automotive parts that asbestos was used in include brake linings, brake pads, disc brakes, drum brakes, and transmission plates. Some companies that produced parts containing this material were Bendix Corporation, General Motors, and Advance Auto Parts. Auto mechanics, railroad workers, and assembly line workers are all among those at risk of developing mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, please call 1 (800) 505-6000 or fill out our form. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Sources:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09553002.2018.1551641
