ASBESTOS WOOL

Asbestos wool insulation, a toxic building material, provided noise insulation for buildings

June 2, 2010 – Throughout most of the 20th century, asbestos was used in hundreds of construction products to strengthen and fireproof building materials. One such product – asbestos mineral wool fiber – was commonly used up until the 1950s as insulation material against noise pollution.

The presence of asbestos wool fiber in your home does not pose an immediate health threat. That’s because if asbestos-based construction materials are in good condition, or are not physically broken, there is little danger of toxic asbestos fibers becoming airborne and inhaled.

Asbestos wool is a product in old buildings

But as asbestos wool (or any asbestos-based construction material) ages, especially over a number of decades, it is more likely to degrade to a point where asbestos fibers can be released into the air, and lead to a toxic exposure.

Most asbestos mineral wool material is found in older buildings constructed before the 1950s. The danger lies in the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers that dislodge from old products. The threat of asbestos exposure is even greater in confined areas, like a home or the basement of a public building.

If you suspect your home contains asbestos mineral wool, or another asbestos-containing building material, have it professionally tested by any of the licensed asbestos abatement companies in your area. Do not attempt to remove the sample yourself. Cutting suspected materials can release fibers. That kind of activity requires a licensed professional familiar with asbestos removal procedures.

Asbestos wool and disease

Asbestos can cause several fatal lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Because symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure, the number of victims of asbestos-related diseases is likely to climb in the coming years. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 90,000 people die every year around the world from asbestos exposure.

Legal option

Weitz & Luxenberg specializes in asbestos-injury litigation and is widely known for defending workers who have fallen ill (sometimes decades later) from work-site asbestos exposure.

Protect your family’s financial future today by obtaining a free consultation and appraisal of your case through the convenient communication form on this page.