Asbestos Defined

Asbestos is defined as a naturally occurring mineral that is found in the ground. Because of its fire retardant properties, it has been used for decades in a number of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and other products, including insulation and vehicle brakes.

There are several forms of asbestos, including chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos and actinolite asbestos.

In microsopic form, asbestos separates into long, thin airborne fibers, which are inhaled by people who work with asbestos-containing materials. Unlike other toxins in the air which are normally expelled by coughing, sneezing or merely exhaling, asbestos fibers remain in the lungs.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.  The latency period between exposure to asbestos and the development of an asbestos-related disease is several decades long. 

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease. If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form below, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.