Industrial Use of Asbestos
Asbestos has been used in materials for 2,000 years. In fact, the word asbestos was given to the product by the ancient Greeks. It is a word meaning "inextinguishable." It wasn't until the industrial revolution in the late 1800s that asbestos was used in a great deal of applications such as insulation for high-temperature products, including:
- Steam pipes
- Turbines
- Boilers
- Kilns
- Ovens
Decades later, doctors and industry researchers began noting the common occurrence of lung problems among those who worked with asbestos. By the mid 1900s, affected workers had brought hundreds of million dollars in lawsuits against their employers.
Throughout the history of asbestos, it has been difficult for manufacturers and builders to abandon the use of such a resilient material. Qualities such as sound absorption, high average tensile strength and resistance to heat made it a popular material.
From the 1950s to the 1980s, asbestos was used in an enormous amount of products where fire, heat and chemical resistance was key including:
- Pipe insulation
- Gaskets
- Ceiling insulation
- Fireproof drywall
- Roofing
- Flooring
- Lawn furniture
- Automobile brake pads
If you or a family member is suffering from mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, it is wise to contact a lawyer to discuss your options. Even if you are not currently exhibiting any of the symptoms of these devastating diseases, but work in an at-risk occupation, it is wise to consult with an experienced attorney.
Contact a Red Bank, New Jersey, Asbestos Lawsuit Attorney
If you have questions regarding mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact Keefe Bartels, L.L.C., by simply calling us at 877-ATTY-24-7 or by completing the contact form on this website. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the needs of our clients. All consultations are completely free of charge, and we are happy to meet at your home or any other location convenient to you.
