How asbestos kills

A simple analysis of asbestos reveals how asbestos can kill. Asbestos has been used by manufacturers and builders for a variety of reasons. It is strong yet flexible, and it will not burn. It conducts electricity poorly, but insulates effectively. It also resists corrosion. One study estimated that 3,000 different types of commercial products contained asbestos. Many older plastics, paper products, brake linings, floor tiles and textile products contain asbestos, as do many heavy industrial products such as sealants, cement pipe, cement sheets, and insulation.

How does asbestos harm you?

When asbestos fibers are in the air, people become exposed to them by inhalation. Because asbestos fibers are small and light, they can stay in the air for a long time. People whose work brings them into contact with asbestos -- workers who renovate buildings with asbestos in them, for example -- may inhale fibers that are in the air. This is occupational exposure. Workers' families may inhale asbestos fibers released by clothes that have been in contact with asbestos. This is paraoccupational exposure. People who live or work near asbestos- related operations may inhale asbestos fibers that have been released into the air by the operations. This is neighborhood exposure. Asbestos can kill through any of these types of exposure.

The main illnesses associated with asbestos exposure are: asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

"I developed lung cancer from asbestos, where can I turn to for help?"

Fill out the form below to give us some information about your asbestos exposure. Weitz & Luxenberg has won hundreds of millions of dollars for those who have developed serious illnesses from asbestos exposure. Let us be on your side too.