What is asbestos?

Often described as a mineral, asbestos is actually a term used to describe six different minerals (chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite asbestos, tremolite asbestos, and actinolite asbestos) that share similar characteristics. They all occur as fibers, usually as fiber bundles, and are known for their strength, flexibility, resistance to heat and chemicals, and high electrical resistance.

All six minerals are potentially hazardous to human health when inhaled. The spike-like fibers enter the lungs and penetrate the lung tissue. This irritates the lung cells, and over time it can cause several chronic and even fatal diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of the membrane surrounding the lungs and other organs), asbestosis, and long-term breathing problems. Symptoms of these diseases don't usually occur until 20 to 40 years after the first exposure to asbestos, and increased exposure increases the risk. Of the six, chrysotile poses a relatively lower risk of developing these types of diseases because it is "softer." However it is by far the most commonly used asbestos in commercial and industrial products (about 99% in the U.S.), and therefore causes the most asbestos-related illnesses.

Asbestos occurs naturally, usually in many common types of rocks. It has been found in 20 states including Texas, and was actively mined in 17 of those states in the last hundred years. Asbestos use in the U.S. and in most places in the world has declined since the 1970s, mostly because of the associated health risks. The peak usage in the U.S. was in 1973 when 792.5 tons were used in manufacturing. In 1999, that had dropped to 16.5 tons and has continued to decline. It was commonly found in house insulation, flooring, textiles, roofing, paints and compounds, and even wallboards used around wood burning and gas fireplaces. Today it is still used in select products such a gaskets, car brakes, and ship building, although the risk of asbestos exposure to the general public is relatively small.

In fact, most instances of asbestos-related diseases happens to the workers who make asbestos-containing products, or use asbestos-containing products in their jobs such as heat resistant clothing for steel workers. Companies are liable for all aspects of worker safety including protecting them from asbestos exposure. However this is not always the case. There are between 2,500 and 3,500 deaths every year in the U.S. due to mesothelioma cancer alone, and many more due to lung cancer and asbestosis.

Corporations who have used asbestos in commercial and other products have long known the risks to its workers and general public, but have failed to properly protect them from asbestos inhalation and these resulting diseases. If you or your family members have been affected by mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other lung ailments, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates for an in-depth and free case review. You may be entitled to certain compensations – we’ll help make sure you get it.

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Jim S. Adler & Associates also has offices found at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887; Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas); and San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237.