Is Asbestos Still Used Today?

Beginning in the late 1970s, concerns about the use of asbestos began to surface and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) started to look into the health concerns from asbestos exposure. OSHA then began to regulate the use of asbestos and certain types of asbestos products, such as high-temperature insulation. Due to these regulations, many of these asbestos products are no longer used in the United States. Other government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), increased regulations on asbestos products.

As a result of these regulations, more asbestos products were phased out. A small number of asbestos products continue to be manufactured in the U.S., however, and the EPA’s effort to ban virtually all uses of asbestos was blocked in the courts by industry trade groups and others acting on behalf of large corporations. Additionally, products with asbestos continue to be imported. Other countries, especially third-world countries, use asbestos on a regular basis.

While there have been efforts to ban all use of asbestos in this country, those efforts have yet to succeed.

Can I Still Be Exposed to Asbestos?

Currently, there are hundreds of products and construction materials used today that may contain asbestos. These include:

  • Textile clothes and garments
  • Adhesives
  • Fireproofing and fire prevention materials
  • Insulation
  • Ceiling tiles and floor tiles
  • Fertilizer and potting mixtures
  • Baby powder and hair dryers
  • Sheet packing and sheet rope

Given the risk of mesothelioma that is associated with the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers, it is important to be aware of products and materials that may contain asbestos.

Important Resources at Kaiser Gornick LLP in the Bay Area

To learn more about how asbestos is used today and what products may contain asbestos, contact an experienced lawyer at Kaiser Gornick LLP.

Contact us at (800) 824-8234 to speak with an attorney or schedule a free initial consultation online.

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