Insulating Materials
Prior to the late 1970’s, asbestos was used in a variety of building materials, including insulation products, which were considered the most dangerous source of asbestos exposure during the 1900s.
Manufacturers turned to asbestos because of its heat and fire-resistant properties and because the mineral helps to conserve energy and reduce electrical conductivity. It was cheap and durable and, as a result, became a key ingredient in the construction and renovation of many power plants, steel mills, chemical facilities, refineries, and commercial and industrial buildings.
How Was Asbestos Insulation Used?
Insulators were often on the front lines of exposure to asbestos, as the cutting, installing, and maintaining of pipe and block insulation produced respirable asbestos fibers that could cause mesothelioma and cancer years later. New pipe insulation containing asbestos was installed well into the 1970s in power plants, chemical refineries, steel mills, aluminum smelters, and other commercial and industrial settings. In West Virginia and the Ohio Valley, asbestos insulation was prevalent in these industries and most plants constructed before the late 1970s will still have some asbestos insulation in them today.
Because asbestos insulation is a soft material, it can easily become degraded, frayed, or worn. Any time that the asbestos pipe covering, block insulation, or mud is manipulated, toxic fibers can be released which have the potential to expose not only the insulators and maintenance workers utilizing the material, but also other tradesmen and plant workers who are present around this work, including iron workers, pipefitters, electricians, boilermakers, millwrights, laborers, operators, mechanics, and others.
Asbestos insulation is often associated with piping, boilers, turbines, valves, pumps, compressors, heating ducts, and other equipment found in all of these locations. In the home, asbestos insulation and asbestos products were used in the construction of homes, including asbestos siding, asbestos shingles, asbestos tiles, and asbestos insulation and mud associated with heating systems. Unfortunately, asbestos insulating materials continued to be used long after companies knew of the health hazards associated with breating in asbestos dust. Rather than protect end users and workers who used their asbestos products or who used asbestos on their equipment, companies decided that they would rather save money by using the inexpensive asbestos materials. This economic decision led to the unnecessary exposure of thousands of individuals in West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennslyvania, Virginia, and other states.
Finding a Qualified Attorney
Are you or someone you know dealing with asbestos-related disease? If so, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Those suffering from an asbestos related illness may qualify to file a legal claim, which can assist in the recovery of compensation or other damages stemming from your condition. Such funds can assist with offsetting treatment costs associated with aggressive diseases like mesothelioma.
At Antion McGee Law Group, PLLC, our attorneys are proud to advocate on behalf of those diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, including workrs who have suffered asbestos exposure on the job, like insulators, boilermakers, pipefitters, millwrights, electricians, laborers, and operators. Our firm focuses on asbestos-related cases, and has the experience you need when confronted with mesothelioma or other asbestos disease.
If you are dealing with an asbestos-related diagnosis, we are committed to seeing your case through to the best possible end result.
We will always travel to your hospital, home, or another suitable location, should your current diagnosis prevent you from meeting with us. Let us work with you to protect your interests now and in the future. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our attorneys, contact Antion McGee Law Group, PLLC at (304) 807-0739.
