Asbestos in Cork-filled Mastic
What is cork-filled mastic?
Cork-filled mastic is a versatile insulating material used in the construction of industrial, commercial and residential buildings. Its viscous form lends itself easily to a wide variety of applications and uses, and can be applied with a trowel, brush or sprayer. Once dried, it became an excellent insulator for metal tanks, air ducts, pipe lines, and pipe ducts, and was also a permanent protection against rust and corrosive materials. Like all cork insulating materials, cork-filled mastic repels moisture and was often used around cooling and refrigeration pipes to prevent sweating.
Asbestos in cork-filled mastic
Asbestos fibers were added to some cork-filled mastic products to increase the strength and insulation qualities of the product. Asbestos is a mineral that was used in thousands of commercial products before its health risks became widely-known in the 1970s. Despite being phased out of use in the 1970s and 80s in most products, asbestos was never banned in the United States and continues to be used for many products manufactured overseas, such as asbestos rope and asbestos aprons.
Individuals who worked with asbestos cork-filled mastic may be at risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease.
The three major diseases caused by asbestos exposure:
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- Asbestosis is a chronic but non-cancerous respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos. Asbestosis usually results from intense, long term exposure to asbestos, usually by workers producing or working closely with asbestos products, such as building demolition. Because it is so often associated with occupational exposure to asbestos, asbestosis is considered an occupational lung disease. The primary symptom of asbestosis is severe shortness of breath (dyspnea), and put the individual at high risk for malignant illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and the number one cause of death related to asbestos exposure.
- Mesothelioma, or malignant mesothelioma, is a rare form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium - the thin lining that protects many of the body cavities and internal organs such as the lungs, heart, and stomach. It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma can develop up to 40 years after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma lawyers may be able to help you.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease from workplace or home exposure to asbestos, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Asbestos companies knew of the risks of asbestos exposure for decades before the public knew. There are avenues to compensation for their criminal actions. Asbestos attorneys can help.