Asbestos in Micarta
Concerned that asbestos in Micarta could cause asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma? Learn more below.
What is Micarta?
Micarta is a high pressure composite laminate material developed by George Westinghouse as early as 1910. In the early years, Micarta composites consisted of a range of fibers and paper impregnated with a resin compound. The resulting laminate was used for everything from decorative interior design finishes to industrial applications such as shipbuilding and electrical insulators. In home design, Micarta was a popular midcentury design element in furniture, countertops, built-ins, movable partitions, interior doors, table and desk tops, wainscoating, elevator cabs, and much more. Micarta paneling was also used extensively in shipbuilding for marine panels. Use of Micarta was so widespread that its name is now wrongly associated with most resin impregnated fiber compounds (Norplex-Micarta holds the trademark). Today Norplex-Micarta manufactures high strength compounds for aerospace, medical, military, and other industries. Consumer products with Micarta today include knife handles, gun grips, circuit boards, and bullet/storm proof home paneling.
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Like so many other goods developed in the mid twentieth century, Micarta had an asbestos-containing product. Fire-resistant Micarta was largely the same as General Purpose Micarta, but contained an asbestos base and bore an “Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.” label.
Any Micarta laminates made before the 1980s may contain asbestos. If you worked on installing or manufacturing Micarta, especially if you worked in the shipbuilding trade, you may be at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, a rare but deadly form of cancer that affects the lungs, stomach, or heart.
As a homeowner, if you have a laminate that you suspect might be made with asbestos, it poses less of a health risk if it’s intact and in good condition. However, if you are tearing up old decorative laminate, assume it contains asbestos and take the necessary precautions to protect your health by contacting a professional asbestos removal company.
How asbestos exposure can lead to malignant mesothelioma
When a product contains asbestos, any damage or wear releases the asbestos fibers into the air where they behave like microscopic knives when inhaled. Once inside a person's body, asbestos fibers become embedded in organ tissue, where they remain to wreak havoc on the organ lining. Eventually the tissue becomes irritated and scarred, leading to shortness of breath in the victim. In some cases, asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma many years or decades after the initial contact with asbestos.
Exposed to asbestos? Contact a mesothelioma lawyer today
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. Mesothelioma attorneys have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients win compensation for lost wages and medical costs.