Most Louisiana residents think asbestos exposure only occurs in work environments and older buildings, but the truth is that it has been used historically across a wide range of applications, and it still is to some degree. At one time, asbestos was considered a miracle product of sorts. That was before extensive testing proved it to be a very hazardous material that takes years to manifest its damage in the human body. While it is often associated with workplace injury claims, it is also easy for others to be exposed under certain conditions. Not only do some contemporary products like plastics contain some amount of asbestos, but other situations could also be hazardous.
Building exposure
One of the primary hazards associated with asbestos is when buildings are being destroyed or an old structure catches fire. When asbestos is released into the air under enough pressure to send it throughout the surrounding atmosphere, firefighters are not the only potential mesothelioma victims. In addition, anyone attending functions in an old structure on a regular basis or working around steam and water lines with deteriorating wrapping could be prone to exposure.
Home exposure
While the abatement program is essentially complete for removing asbestos from standing facilities and restricting its use in new construction projects, there are several products on the market for use at home that still contain the substance. Examples of those products include:
- Some home insulators
- Some paints and plastics
- Certain adhesive compounds
- Gas fireplaces
- Floor tiles
- Fire-retardant products
Rare disease case representation
The primary problem with a mesothelioma claim stemming from asbestos exposure is proving the connection between the particular medical issue and the actual contaminant itself. It is vitally important to have an experienced attorney who understands the material evidence needed to support this unique injury claim.