Asbestos Sheeting:  Health Dangers Lurk in Building Structures Made with Asbestos Cement Sheeting Products

Fibrous asbestos cement sheeting products used in building construction have been around for decades. That means many building structures still standing today contain asbestos sheeting materials. That alone is not a danger. It is the physical condition of old asbestos sheeting materials that warrants attention.

What health dangers are associated with asbestos sheeting products?

There are favorable construction properties inherent in asbestos sheeting material – it’s inexpensive, easy to use and maintenance free. But the cement coating on exteriors can and does weather off, and interiors become damaged from long-time use, allowing dangerous asbestos fibers to blow away into the air.

Breathing in air-borne asbestos sheeting fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and even the most deadly form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma.

Why was asbestos put in cement sheeting products?

In the decades following WWII, asbestos fibers were mixed into thin cement sheeting (as thin as 4.5mm thick) for reinforcement. Asbestos made the sheeting walls strong, fire resistant, and maintenance free, sometimes not even requiring painting.

What precautions should I take against asbestos sheeting materials?

Health dangers from inhalation of air-borne asbestos fibers are greatest when these products become dry, loose, or crumbly. That’s why sanding, drilling, or scraping asbestos sheeting surfaces should be avoided, and conducted only by a certified asbestos abatement contractor.

Were you injured by asbestos sheeting materials?

Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C. is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that for more than 25 years has secured large compensation awards for persons harmed by mesothelioma. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer 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 on this page, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.