Did you work in construction with soft concrete and develop mesothelioma? Our asbestos attorneys can help.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently issued a memo about the dangers of exposure to asbestos in soft concrete. Asbestos can cause cancers such as mesothelioma.

According to the letter, an inspection of a roof repair project on a government building revealed that the concrete material used for forming the roof surface in 1934 contained a high concentration of asbestos.

The asbestos/concrete mixture is called "soft concrete." Apparently, when the government building was built, asbestos was mixed with concrete to make a lighter and easier to use mixture than regular concrete.

It was then used for creating the slopes on the roof. The soft concrete layer ran between two and 10 inches in thickness on the roof of the inspected building.

The roof repair work required the removal of the roofing tar paper and the soft concrete layer. The construction contractor investigated for the presence of asbestos prior to work beginning at the site. Analysis of the concrete revealed it had an asbestos content of between two and 10% by weight. Therefore, it had to be handled as asbestos containing material since the asbestos content exceeded 1% by weight.

It is possible that such a mixture was used on other roofs and, therefore, its presence could pose significant health hazards during demolition or repair work.

Employees occupying a building might be exposed to the asbestos from the roof's materials if there are openings in the building, particularly during reroofing work.

Therefore, prior to beginning work, it is necessary to exercise reasonable diligence to assess the presence of soft concrete and the potential exposure risk.

Many people who worked with soft concrete--such as those in building construction, demolition or repair--have come forward to say their work environment led to a diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer from asbestos.

If this has been your experience, our asbestos lawyers may be able to help you receive compensation for your health problems.

For over two decades, Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. has handled some of the most legally complicated and groundbreaking asbestos litigation in the country, winning many millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements along the way.

Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure or secondary 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.