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Philadelphia Asbestos Lawyers: Asbestos Continues to Be a Worldwide Hazard

October 3, 2013

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Asbestos has  long been known to cause cancer, namely mesothelioma, in humans.  Despite this knowledge and aggressive measures to ban the mining, production, exportation, and use of asbestos throughout the world, the deadly toxin continues claim lives.  According to the World Health Organization,  approximately 107,000 people worldwide die each year from asbestos-related illness.

Asbestos fibers contained in products such as cement, ceiling tiles, insulation, and mechanical parts are not considered a health threat unless they are disturbed.  Once asbestos fibers are released into the air, they are inhaled and lay dormant in the deep tissues of the lungs for a period of 20-50 years.  Eventually, asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma develop.

Despite the staggering statistics of deaths attributed to asbestos, it continues to be mined by countries such as Russia, China, Brazil, and Kazakhstan.  In just 2009 alone, over two million tons of asbestos was mined throughout the world with approximately 50% of that asbestos being mined in Russia.  Today, Russia, Indonesia, India, China, and Brazil continue to use asbestos in construction and insulating materials.

Asbestos is Everywhere: Schools, Public Buildings, Hospitals

The use of asbestos became popular during the industrial revolution because of its heat and fire-resistant properties and its effectiveness as an insulator.  Many homes, schools, hospitals, and public buildings were built with asbestos-containing products. These buildings remain in use throughout the world. Because of this, people continue to be exposed to the toxic fibers that become disturbed by wear and tear over the years.

Examples of asbestos contamination around the world:

• In a recent report on American universities, it is estimated that over 17,000 students unknowingly slept in dorm rooms that contained asbestos ceiling tiles.  Though some authorities are outraged that students were not informed of this, some defend the action claiming that the asbestos is safely contained within the ceiling tiles.  Students are encouraged to report any damages in their rooms, but are not being informed that broken ceiling tiles could expose them to asbestos fibers.

• In Melbourne Australia, 137 fire trucks were contaminated by asbestos fibers that became loosened when the roofs of 47 fire stations were replaced.  The trucks were removed to be cleaned and tested for the presence of asbestos.  All visits to elementary schools were cancelled.

• Patients at a community hospital in the United Kingdom were relocated to another facility as abatement measures took place following the discovery of asbestos in the boiler room of the hospital. Officials discovered the disturbed fibers on a routine inspection of the facility.

Pennsylvania Asbestos Attorneys at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Seek Justice and Compensation for Victims of Asbestos Exposure

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, call the Pennsylvania asbestos law firm of Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler at 215-569-4000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.  Conveniently located in center city Philadelphia, our attorneys represent clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.