An overwhelming number of commercial manufacturers use asbestos in their products, which has led to its ubiquitous presence in homes, workplaces, and consumer items because of its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. Unfortunately, these same manufacturers often ignore the harmful effects of this material on human health or fail to adequately warn their customers about the common products that contain asbestos, which has led many consumers to suffer illness and injury due to prolonged exposure. If you contracted an illness that you believe might be linked to asbestos exposure, let the Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler tell you what you need to know.
Many construction materials, especially those used in older buildings, incorporate asbestos. A vast number of producers incorporate this material into cement, roofing shingles, and insulation to increase their fire resistance and durability against aging. Sewage systems, drainage systems, and industrial processing, for instance, commonly use asbestos cement pipes. If your home was built before the 1980s, the drywall and joint compounds in it might also contain high levels of asbestos—and when these materials deteriorate or when you renovate your home, the asbestos fibers could go airborne, and you could inhale large amounts of them.
Manufacturers do not limit their asbestos use to construction sites or industrial applications. Everyday items, such as hair dryers and ironing boards, have also historically contained asbestos to prevent heat damage or fire hazards. If you have vintage appliances, verify whether these items may pose a risk to your health, or if your household adhesives, caulks, and vinyl flooring may contain toxic levels of fibers.
Automotive manufacturers used to use high levels of asbestos in brake pads, clutches, and gaskets for heat resistance, ideal for components that endure high friction and temperatures. But mechanics and car enthusiasts can easily inhale large amounts of fibers when dealing with older vehicles or replacing these parts. Modern automotive manufacturing has shifted to safer alternatives in response to these concerns, but older vehicles can still endanger unsuspecting mechanics.
Industrial and commercial sectors extensively used asbestos for the insulation and fireproofing of boilers, turbines, and industrial furnaces. Even today, some older gaskets and coatings may still contain asbestos. So, if you work in shipbuilding, construction, or manufacturing, you may need to take precautionary measures when working with asbestos-containing materials.
If you contracted an illness during or after renovating an old building, working with vintage products, or handling industrial materials, you may be a victim of asbestos exposure, and you may have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries. Trust the Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler to investigate your claim, work with you to gather the necessary evidence, and build your strongest case for the payout that you deserve. Call our Philadelphia office at 215-569-4000, or contact us online for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
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