Attic Insulation
They say “a man’s home is his castle.” That’s why homeowners do everything possible to protect their home from fire and other dangers; to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulation plays a part in all of these issues and it’s clear that good insulation can keep a home safe and comfortable.
One part of the home where insulation is commonly found is in the attic. Attic insulation protects home-dwellers from the elements and provides a barrier for fire, which can destroy a house in the blink of an eye.
Unfortunately, some attic insulation used in the past contained asbestos or asbestos-tainted vermiculite. Records show, as a matter of fact, that literally millions of homes might be insulated with materials that contain asbestos or vermiculite. Asbestos-containing attic insulation was used primarily after World War II, from the 1950s until approximately 1980. It was used not only in the U.S. but in countries around the world, including extensively throughout Canada.
Vermiculite is a naturally-mined mineral that is not dangerous in and of itself. However, some vermiculite is contaminated with asbestos and it is this vermiculite that poses a hazard. Unfortunately, tainted vermiculite was used in the manufacture of attic insulation for decades so the dangers are widespread.
Like asbestos, contaminated vermiculite that remains untouched does not present a hazard. However, older attic insulation often becomes dry or “friable” with age and may release toxic fibers into the air. On occasion, if the attic is open or if renovation work is being performed in an attic with asbestos insulation, dangerous fibers can make their way to the living quarters and may be inhaled. Those doing renovation work are also at risk for exposure.
Though this type of attic insulation is no longer used, those who installed it many years ago may be prone to developing asbestos-related diseases due to their past exposure. Insulators have one of the highest rates of mesothelioma among tradesmen because insulation of all types often contained asbestos. Today, many of those individuals are sick or have already succumbed to asbestos diseases.
Sadly, companies that manufactured attic insulation often knew about the potential dangers of asbestos but did not share the information with their employees. This massive cover-up took the lives of many who worked hard day in and day out to make a living and support their families. Fortunately, today’s legal system is finally beginning to recognize that those involved in the cover-up were wrong to withhold information and many are being held responsible for their actions.
If you have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos-tainted attic insulation, you should seek legal representation to determine your right to monetary compensation. Order our free mesothelioma resource kit today for more information.
