Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos.  Mesothelioma victims have inhaled asbestos fibers which then travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura (the thin, saran wrap-type membrane lining the lungs.)  Each year 2,500 to 4,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma. 

While many uses for asbestos were banned in the 1970’s, the risk from exposure continues today due to mesothelioma’s long latency (inactive) period of anywhere between 10 – 50 years. That is, many individuals exposed to asbestos in shipyards, construction, brake work, power plants, and other industries in the 1950's, 60's, and 70's are just now being diagnosed with mesothelioma.  Today, asbestos continues to be a threat to workers exposed through their occupations and in buildings that were erected prior to the ban.  Experts predict that mesothelioma diagnoses will continue to increase in the United States for at least another 10 to 20 years.

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. Asbestos was used in many products and equipment.
 

The following is a general list provided by the Environmental Protection Agency intended to show the types of materials containing asbestos. It does not include all products containing asbestos. Cement Pipes Elevator Brake Shoes Cement Wallboard HVAC Duct Insulation Cement Siding Boiler Insulation Asphalt Floor Tile Breaching Insulation Vinyl Floor Tile Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections Vinyl Sheet Flooring Cooling Towers Flooring Backing Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.) Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.) Heating and Electrical Ducts Acoustical Plaster Electrical Panel Partitions Decorative Plaster Electrical Cloth Textured Paints/Coatings Electric Wiring Insulation Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels Chalkboards Spray-Applied Insulation Roofing Shingles Blown-in Insulation Roofing Felt Fireproofing Materials Base Flashing Taping Compounds (thermal) Thermal Paper Products Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations) Fire Doors High Temperature Gaskets Caulking/Putties Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops Adhesives Laboratory Gloves Wallboard Fire Blankets Joint Compounds Fire Curtains Vinyl Wall Coverings Elevator Equipment Panels Spackling Compounds

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