Asbestos has a long and complex history. For years, it got lauded for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, and it has gotten used in a wide variety of building materials. However, we now know that asbestos is a deadly substance responsible for the deaths of thousands of people each year. Despite this, many myths and misconceptions about asbestos are circulating on the Internet and in the legal community. This blog post will debunk the five most common legal myths about asbestos and the Truth About Asbestos.
To learn more Truth About Asbestos Asbestos-related illness and claim, read here.
Five most common legal myths about Asbestos
- Myth: Asbestos only exists in older buildings.
Fact: Many products made before the early 1990s contained asbestos, which means that asbestos can get found in buildings of all ages.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber once used in building materials because it is strong, resistant to heat and fire, and sound absorbing. It gets added to insulation, roofing tiles, and flooring products. However, asbestos is now known to cause cancer and other serious illnesses, banned in many countries.
Despite being banned, asbestos still gets found in many older buildings. For example, in the United States, about one-third of all schools built before 1980 contain asbestos. Asbestos can also get found in homes, hospitals, factories, and other buildings.
- Myth: You can tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it.
Fact: The myth that you can tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it is one that has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, many people still believe it today. The only way to know for sure is to have it tested.
- Myth: If I have asbestos in my building, it will cause health problems.
Fact: Many people think that if they have asbestos in their building, it will cause health problems. It is not the case.
If the asbestos is left undisturbed, it’s safe. It isn’t always the case. Asbestos is dangerous only if disturbed, and the fibers grow to be airborne.
- Myth: Asbestos only affects those who work directly with the material.
Despite the well-known risks, many people still believe that asbestos only affects those who work directly with the material. It is a dangerous myth, as anyone who comes into contact with asbestos fibers is at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
Anyone who gets exposed to asbestos fibers may develop an asbestos-related disease. It includes family members of workers who may come into contact with their clothing or hair.
- Myth: You can’t get sick from asbestos if you don’t smoke.
Fact: One of the most common myths about asbestos is that you can’t get sick from it if you don’t smoke. It is not true, the myth implies that people engaging in respiratory system compromising habits are the ones only vulnerable to asbestos poisoning, but that can’t be further away from the truth. Anyone who breathes in asbestos fibers is vulnerable to developing extreme health problems. Even if you do not smoke, you could nevertheless get asbestos-associated illnesses. Such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
If you have been asbestos poisoned at work, you need to do a few key things as soon as possible.
First, seek medical attention. You may have gotten exposed to a deadly toxin, so it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Also, your diagnosis plays an important part in determining your settlement.
Second, tell your employer. They should be aware of the situation to take appropriate action and prevent other employees from being exposed.
Third, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer. An experienced lawyer will be able to get you the financial and medical help you need and deserve. You may be entitled to compensation for the damage done to your health.
You are also entitled to repayment when you have gotten diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-associated illness. Contact one of our asbestos attorneys now for a free consultation.
We have years of experience fighting for the rights of asbestos victims, and we will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Visit us at Gaylord and Nantais to learn more, or call us today at (562) 561-2669.
