Asbestos

Name: How Do I Know if I Was Exposed to Asbestos?
Uploaded: 2024-12-09T00:00:00-05:00
Description: The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. If you've been diagnosed, you may be eligible for compensation from the asbestos companies that put you in harm's way.

Asbestos is a cancer-causing mineral used to make a wide variety of products for much of the 20th century. During this period, millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos, putting them at risk of mesothelioma and other serious diseases later in life. See if we may be able to help you or someone you love seek justice.

Get a Free Case Review

Why Take Legal Action?

By filing an asbestos lawsuit, you can pursue financial compensation and justice from the companies that caused you or a loved one harm.

Results Secured

$8 million for a plumber and pipefitter from Texas
$6.8 million for a Florida mechanic
$4.14 million for a welder and U.S. Air Force veteran

Written by: Rae Theodore

Last updated: Dec 18, 2024

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Amy E. Garrett

What Is Asbestos?

Safety googles and a mask sit near a pile of asbestos dust

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Asbestos fibers are durable and resist heat, chemicals, and water, so they were used to make thousands of building materials and industrial products from the 1930s to the early 1980s.

Asbestos was commonly found in boilers, brakes, cement, insulation, and paint. While the mineral prevented products from breaking down, it also put millions of people in harm’s way. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed, they can cause life-threatening illnesses like mesothelioma.

Key Facts About Asbestos Exposure

A single exposure can result in an asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos illnesses include mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and ovarian cancer.
Those most at risk are blue-collar workers and military veterans.
It can take 10-50 years after exposure for a person to become sick.
Asbestos is still not banned in the United States.

By the 1980s, public health agencies had sounded the alarm on the dangers of asbestos, even though negligent product manufacturers had known the risks decades before but hid them to protect their profits.

Each year, thousands of people are diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Some decide to hold these companies accountable by filing asbestos lawsuits, which award over $1 million on average for illnesses like mesothelioma.

LawFirm.com has partnered with top lawyers who have secured over $10.1 billion for asbestos victims across the country. See if we can connect you during a free case review.

Diseases Caused by Asbestos Exposure

When a person works with or around asbestos materials, they could breathe in or swallow fibers that can get trapped in the body and cause health problems like cancer later in life.

Common asbestos-related diseases include:

Asbestosis: This chronic lung disease occurs when asbestos fibers get stuck in the lungs, causing scarring that can make it difficult to breathe. There is no cure for asbestosis, and it worsens over time, becoming fatal.
Lung cancer: Asbestos fibers can damage a person’s lungs and lead to this cancer. Symptoms include chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Mesothelioma: This rare and aggressive cancer affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining (pleura). The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos.
Ovarian cancer: Scientists have linked asbestos-contaminated talcum powder and other cosmetic talc products to ovarian cancer.

Since symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not appear until decades after a person has come in contact with the toxic mineral, delays in diagnosis may occur. Treatments can aid in relieving symptoms and help patients live longer.

Compensation for Asbestos-Related Diseases

Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease may be eligible for compensation to help pay for their medical bills and more.

Learn more about mesothelioma compensation options and how an asbestos law firm may be able to get you a payout.

How Do I Know if I Was Exposed to Asbestos? Video Thumbnail

The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. If you've been diagnosed, you may be eligible for compensation from the asbestos companies that put you in harm's way.

Duration: 1 min 00 sec

Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos lawsuits award over $1 million on average for illnesses like mesothelioma. These claims are filed against the companies responsible for your illness and almost always end in out-of-court settlements.

If you’ve lost a loved one to an asbestos-related disease, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek money for their medical bills, funeral costs, and pain and suffering.

An asbestos law firm can file a lawsuit on your behalf if you qualify.

“Because it’s not your fault, and it should never have happened to you, you have a right to make a legal claim against the companies who knew it was going to happen and did nothing about it. The average worker did not know that it was dangerous.”

– Ricky A. LeBlanc, managing attorney at Sokolove Law and LawFirm.com legal expert

Asbestos Trust Funds

An estimated $30 billion is available in trust funds set up by asbestos companies that declared bankruptcy to sidestep lawsuits that had been filed against them. You may be entitled to payments from multiple asbestos trust funds, maximizing your total payout.

An asbestos lawyer can file claims with every trust you qualify for. Trust fund claims don’t require any court time, and many patients start receiving initial payouts within 90 days.

Find out if you may be able to access asbestos trust fund compensation right now.

VA Benefit Claims

All branches of the U.S. military relied on asbestos-containing products to build and maintain bases, vehicles, ships, and other assets. As a result, veterans make up approximately 33% of all mesothelioma cases.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers VA benefits to help veterans with the financial expenses related to a diagnosis.

VA benefits for veterans with mesothelioma include:

Disability compensation of almost $4,000 a month
Free or low-cost medical care
Pensions
Survivors benefits

LawFirm.com works with VA-accredited attorneys who can prepare claims on your behalf, so you can access the compensation you deserve.

Get a free case review now to see if we can help you file for VA benefits or increase the amount you already receive.

Asbestos Settlements and Verdicts

The average asbestos settlement awards over $1 million depending on your illness, but many victims have secured much larger payouts.

Notable asbestos and mesothelioma settlements include:

$12 million to a laborer in Illinois diagnosed with mesothelioma
$6.8 million on behalf of a mechanic from Florida
$4.3 million to a U.S. Army veteran and boilermaker in Florida
Over $4 million for a U.S. Air Force veteran and welder
$3.9 million to an auto mechanic and insulation worker in Virginia
Over $3.6 million on behalf of a New York food worker
$3.45 million to a Pennsylvania teacher with mesothelioma
$3.2 million on behalf of a plumber and U.S. Navy veteran in Wisconsin
$2.8 million to the family of a heavy equipment operator from Illinois
Over $2.5 million for the family of a Michigan maintenance worker
$7 million to a California wire installer
$8 million for a plumber and pipefitter in Texas

Asbestos settlement amounts may vary based on the type of disease you’ve been diagnosed with, the asbestos products you were exposed to, and other factors. An asbestos lawyer will fight to get you as much compensation as quickly as possible.

LawFirm.com works with top asbestos lawyers who can determine how, when, and where you may have been exposed and hold the companies to blame accountable.

“Our legal team did all the legwork for us. I didn’t have to do anything except provide my personal background.”

– Dr. Bonnie Snyder, asbestos exposure victim

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or use our online chat to see if we can help you or someone you love seek compensation for an asbestos disease.

Asbestos Products That Put People at Risk

Over 3,000 products were made using asbestos since the mineral was inexpensive, heat-resistant, and had many applications. Common household products like insulation, floor tiles, and cement manufactured before the 1980s likely contained asbestos.

Products that may have contained asbestos include:

Adhesives
Baby powder
Boilers
Brake pads
Bricks
Ceiling tiles
Cement
Drywall
Floor tiles
Gaskets
Insulation
Makeup
Paint
Pipes
Popcorn ceiling products
Pumps
Roofing materials
Sealants
Shingles
Spray-on fireproofing coatings
Talcum powder
Valves
Vinyls

Today, most companies have stopped using asbestos due to the dangers. However, asbestos products can still be found in older cars, homes, and other structures and may pose a health hazard if damaged or manipulated.

High-Risk Asbestos Exposure Jobs

Some jobs required workers to handle asbestos-containing materials every day or perform tasks in places where asbestos was present. These workers face the greatest risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

High-risk asbestos exposure occupations include:

Aircraft technicians
Auto mechanics
Brick and stone masons
Carpenters
Construction workers
Drill press operators
Drywall workers
Electricians
Factory workers
Firefighters
Heavy equipment operators
Industrial workers
Insulators
Miners
Oil refinery workers
Pipefitters
Plumbers
Power plant workers
Railroad workers
Shipbuilders
Steamfitters
Welders

Dozens of other jobs caused workers to be exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. Those who were exposed for prolonged periods are most likely to develop mesothelioma and other health problems.

Did you know?

Workers weren’t the only ones in harm’s way. Family members may have been exposed secondhand to asbestos dust that loved ones brought home on their work clothes.

Asbestos Exposure Locations

Asbestos has many beneficial properties, which led to its use across many different industries. As a result, it was found in various commercial and private settings, posing a danger to anyone who came in contact with it.

Asbestos exposure sites include:

Auto body shops and garages
Boiler rooms
Construction sites
Demolition areas
Factories
Laboratories
Military bases
Older homes, schools, and other structures built before the 1980s
Power plants
Ships and shipyards
Utility companies

When asbestos products are cut, drilled, or sanded, the microscopic fibers can stay in the air for hours. Those who worked in confined spaces were likely exposed to high concentrations of asbestos, increasing their risk of becoming sick.

Workers weren’t warned of the health effects, so they didn’t wear respirators or other protective equipment.

Get a free case review now to see if we can connect you with a top asbestos lawyer who can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Types of Asbestos

There are six different types of asbestos, each belonging to two families. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies all forms of asbestos as “carcinogenic to humans.”

The 6 types of asbestos are:

Actinolite
Amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite)
Anthophyllite
Chrysotile
Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
Tremolite

Chrysotile is the only type in the serpentine family and was the most commonly used form of asbestos, recognized by its curly fibers. Chrysotile was widely used to make construction materials, automotive parts, and textiles.

The other types of asbestos, which belong to the amphibole family, have straight, needle-like fibers. These types are less common but are considered more dangerous since their sharp fibers can easily lodge in the lungs.

When Was Asbestos Banned?

In March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a ban on chrysotile asbestos, the only type still imported and used in the country.

Chrysotile asbestos is used to make chlorine bleach products and aftermarket auto brakes and linings. The asbestos ban is expected to take years to fully implement, meaning many workers and their families will continue to be at risk.

The United States is one of the last Western countries to issue a complete ban on asbestos. Over 60 countries have already banned asbestos.

The EPA rule doesn’t address legacy asbestos, which is asbestos found in older homes, schools, and workplaces.

If you believe your home contains asbestos products, it’s best to leave them alone and allow a professional to handle them. A certified asbestos abatement professional can verify that a material contains asbestos and take steps to remove and dispose of it safely.

Get Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for your exposure.

Negligent asbestos companies could have prevented millions of innocent people from being exposed by warning of the dangers, but instead, they chose to keep quiet to protect their profits.

LawFirm.com has partnered with top asbestos law firms that have secured over $10.1 billion for victims across the country.

Our legal partners:

Can help families in all 50 states
Have decades of experience in asbestos litigation
Never charge any upfront or hourly fees

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or fill out our online form to take the first step toward the compensation and justice you deserve.

Asbestos FAQs

What does asbestos look like?

Depending on its type and form, asbestos can have a different appearance but generally appears as a mass of thin, needle-like fibers that are white or gray.

Chrysotile asbestos, the most common type, is typically white or gray with curly fibers. Amosite asbestos is brown with straighter, thicker fibers, while crocidolite asbestos is known for its blue color and fine, straight fibers.

What does asbestos do to humans?

Asbestos exposure can cause several life-threatening diseases, like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

When asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed, they can become trapped inside the body, leading to inflammation, scarring, and cancerous tumors later in life.

If you’ve developed an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. See if our team may be able to help you seek the justice you deserve during a free case review.

Where is asbestos most commonly found?

Asbestos is commonly found in older homes and buildings. Private residents and other structures built before the 1980s likely contain asbestos insulation, drywall, cement sheets, and other hazardous materials.

What are some asbestos exposure symptoms?

Symptoms of asbestos exposure may include:

Breathing problems
Coughing
Chest pain
Fatigue
Weight loss

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and may have been exposed to asbestos, it’s a good idea to get checked out by your doctor. A health care provider can perform a physical exam and order tests to make a diagnosis.

Is asbestos still used in homes?

No, asbestos products are no longer used to build or maintain homes. However, houses that were built before the 1980s likely contain asbestos-containing materials.

How do you get exposed to asbestos?

Most people are exposed to asbestos through their work or serving in the military. However, other situations can cause you to be exposed.

Ways you can experience asbestos exposure include:

Coming in contact with asbestos on a person’s skin or clothes (secondary exposure)
Using asbestos-contaminated consumer products like baby powder
Visiting a building where that contains asbestos
Working with or around asbestos-containing products

There’s no safe level of exposure. Even a single exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen, can increase your risk of developing life-threatening illnesses years later.

Call (866) 447-8466 now to learn about your legal options if you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos disease.

Do all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos?

No, not all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, but those that were installed in the 1980s or earlier may. Asbestos was used in popcorn ceilings to resist heat and corrosion. However, when the dangers of asbestos came to light, the mineral was phased out in ceiling installations and other applications.

If you’re worried that your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos, a professional asbestos abatement company may be able to help. They can test the ceiling to see if it contains asbestos minerals and then safely remove it if it does.

How do I know if I have asbestos?

The only way to tell if a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a lab. A licensed asbestos company can collect a sample and arrange for the safe removal of asbestos if it tests positive.

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Amy E. GarrettPartner

Lawyer
Editor

Amy Garrett is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy with more than 22 years of litigation experience. Amy has helped the firm secure billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients. Over the past two decades, she has gained a reputation as a litigator who advocates for her asbestos and complex litigation clients both inside and outside the courtroom.