ASBESTOS WALLBOARD

The deadly legacy of America’s favorite asbestos-based building product

Asbestos Wallboard

May 7, 2010 – Of all U.S. building construction materials made with asbestos, Portland cement wallboard was probably the most pervasively used and, hence, killed more unsuspecting construction workers than any other asbestos-based construction product.

Before 1980, when the first asbestos regulations were enacted, asbestos-containing wallboard was revered as an ideal building product because it was resistant to fire and corrosion, and provided excellent insulation against temperature extremes.

Transite, an asbestos wallboard

One example of a commonly used asbestos wallboard is Transite siding panels (made by the Johns-Manville Company). Transite panels were used extensively throughout American homes prior to 1980 because the sheets could be easily cut, easily drilled and easily shaped.

But these coveted qualities contributed to the deaths of tens of thousands of American construction workers who died of occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma – recognized the world over as the signature asbestos-related cancer and diagnosed in approximately 3,000 people every year in the United States.

When workers cut, sand or drill asbestos wallboard, microscopic asbestos fibers are dislodged into the air. Airborne asbestos dust, when inhaled, will infiltrate lung tissue and develop into tumors years later, and sometimes decades later.

Because mesothelioma's latency period can last up to 40 years, retired construction workers are most vulnerable to developing mesothelioma.

Asbestos wallboard hazards

Asbestos wallboard in the home is not dangerous if it is in good condition. However, it becomes a health hazard when it deteriorates, or is involved in renovation or demolition projects. When physically disturbed, cement wallboard can and will release asbestos fibers into the air and threaten work-site personnel with full-fledged asbestos exposure.

Weitz & Luxenberg – Asbestos-injury law firm

More than 5,000 asbestos-containing building products have been marketed in the United States in the last century – including asbestos wallboard.

Certain manufacturers of asbestos wallboard knew about the toxic dangers associated with their product long before the public did. But denied this information from their own factory workers who manufactured the product, and from the public who purchased it. Why? To reduce overhead expenses and boost profit margins.

Thousands of retired workers diagnosed with job-related asbestos disease have filed asbestos claims against these product manufacturers for their negligence, and have obtained substantial compensation for their injuries with the help of Weitz & Luxenberg.

If you worked with asbestos wallboard, or any asbestos-containing products, and you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial reward.

Protect your family’s financial future today. Use the communication form at left to communicate with an asbestos cancer attorney at Weitz & Luxenberg for a free appraisal of your case and to determine your eligibility to receive financial compensation.