Asbestos is a hazardous mineral that can lead to serious health problems

Residents of the U.S. and Canada may seek legal remedies with our firm for an asbestos-related cancer, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Get a free copy of our sourcebook, "Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, Asbestos Litigation and Your Rights."

You may be visiting our website because you have been recently diagnosed with a health concern related to asbestos exposure. Such conditions include mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Below is some basic information on asbestos and its uses. This, perhaps, will give you insight into where you were when you were exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral composed of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and other metal ions. Asbestos fibers insulate very well because they are strong, flexible and will not burn. The three most common varieties of asbestos fibers are chrysolite, amosite and crocidolite.

Because asbestos is a tiny fiber, less than half the diameter of a strand of hair, it needs to be attached to something. When asbestos fibers are mixed with other materials, it produces what is called an asbestos containing material or ACM.

A large number of construction products are made of asbestos, including sealants, cement pipe, wall insulation, pipe insulation and ceiling panels. Also, ACM has been used by the automotive industry, shipping industry and NASA for insulating the Space Shuttle.

One major drawback of using ACM is the dust that is created from the manufacture, installation and eventual deterioration, releases asbestos in the air. Because asbestos is such a small, powdery component, it is easily airborne and also easily inhaled. And unfortunately, when inhaled, asbestos can produce serious health problems.

Even though the Federal Government placed a moratorium on the production of most asbestos products in the early 1970s, installation of these products continued through the late 1970s and even into the early 1980s.

Between 1940 and 1980, an estimated 27 million American workers had an occupational exposure to asbestos that could affect their health, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Asbestos has largely been banned in America, though some asbestos-containing products have failed to be blocked from sale by current legislation. Thus, there is a continued risk of exposure.

From shipfitters, pipefitters and demolition workers, to those toiling on railroads and in construction, Weitz & Luxenberg has many clients whose needless and entirely avoidable exposure to asbestos ultimately led to them developing asbestos-related diseases.

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 or lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their asbestos related disease.

If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form on this page, and an representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.