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Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is very flexible and soft, making it an ideal material for use in clothing. Its heat resistant properties and tough durability make it ideal for building materials and auto parts as well. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is smaller than the eye can see and that cannot be smelled or tasted. However, exposure to asbestos can lead to a cancer called mesothelioma.

Despite the health risk, asbestos continues to be mined and used in many products because it does not burn, barely transmits any heat, is a poor conductor of electricity, resists corrosion and is durable yet flexible. This makes asbestos useful for fire proofing materials, heat insulation, electrical insulation and even clothing. Asbestos that is painted, bonded, coated and/or covered does not normally present a health risk.

There are only six types of asbestos materials that are banned, the first being any new uses of asbestos in products that weren’t historically made from the mineral. The other five types of asbestos materials that are banned from sale and distribution include asbestos flooring felt, rollboard, commercial paper, specialty paper and corrugated paper.

Asbestos products that are not banned include asbestos-cement corrugated sheet, asbestos-cement flat sheet, asbestos clothing, pipeline wrap, roofing felt, vinyl-asbestos floor tile, asbestos-cement shingle, millboard, asbestos-cement pipe, automatic transmission components, clutch facings, friction materials, disc brake pads, drum brake linings, brake blocks, gaskets, non-roofing coatings and roof coatings, according to the EPA. Injury attorneys are well versed in the risks and consequences of working with or being exposed to asbestos, and they can inform you of your rights and help you file personal injury claims.

Asbestos is most dangerous when it is disturbed. For example, when it is mined, used to produce materials, or when materials containing asbestos are disassembled or demolished, asbestos is most likely to be inhaled or consumed. Asbestos dust can be transported on clothing, materials and tools, and is dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with it. Once asbestos is inhaled or consumed, it can cause tumors on the lining in the lungs, stomach, abdomen and heart.

Asbestos damages the body’s lining because of its fibrous nature. Most of the fibers are exhaled, but some attach themselves to the lining of the body, causing severe and fatal injuries. Symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses include difficulty breathing, increased swelling, fluid and pain in infected areas, and coughing.

Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. People involved in mining and transporting asbestos are most at risk. Others most at risk include people who work at plants that manufacture asbestos products, construction and maintenance workers, auto mechanics, insulators, ship mechanics and steel workers. Bystanders, or people who work with those most at risk, often are exposed as well. Also, people who live and work in towns were asbestos is mined are at risk, as well as people who frequent old buildings containing asbestos products and those who wear asbestos clothing. It is important to note that mesothelioma does not often show up for more than 20 years after exposure to asbestos takes place. Personal injury lawyers can answer any questions you have about asbestos and mesothelioma.