Tiles
For several decades, asbestos was the mineral of choice for the manufacture of products that were required to provide protection from heat and fire. After all, its heat- and fire-resistant properties had been apparent for centuries and no one had yet found a better product with these same qualities. It is also extremely durable and inexpensive to use, which made it all the more attractive to manufacturers.
Though myriad building products were manufactured using asbestos, tiles were among the most common items. Asbestos tiles were used for both ceilings and floors, particularly for applications that demanded heat and fire protection and simply because they were so durable. In addition, they may have been used for acoustical purposes.
Asbestos floor and ceiling tiles can be found in homes and commercial buildings all over the world and are not hazardous when they are in good condition. However, tiles that have been affected by water, heat, or age may become damaged. That’s when the danger begins. Damaged asbestos floor or ceiling tiles that are chipped or broken can emit dangerous asbestos fibers, which might become airborne. (An easy way to tell if tiles are safe is by applying pressure with your hand. If they crumble, they are considered “friable” and should be removed.)
Asbestos-containing tiles also became dangerous when cut, sawed, grinded, or sanded. These very acts served to release toxic asbestos fibers into the air and the contractors installing the tiles were subject to asbestos inhalation. For many, particularly those specializing in laying tile, this occurred on a daily basis. Decades later, many of these individuals have been diagnosed with mesothelioma because they were unaware that the asbestos they used each day was hazardous.
If these tile layers and contractors had been informed as to the dangers of the material once known as the “miracle mineral”, they could have made moves to protect themselves. However, even though their superiors often had information about asbestos’ dangers, little was shared with workers. If they had been properly educated on how to deal with asbestos, they could have worn masks, respirators, or other protective gear while working with the toxic mineral. That would have prevented scores of individuals from developing diseases caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Today, we know how dangerous asbestos can be and all the information about its dangers is public knowledge. Asbestos is no longer used in floor and ceiling tiles or other building products though they may still be found in old homes or buildings. Unfortunately, the end of asbestos use came too late for those who had already been exposed.
If you have mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos tiles, it’s time to take a few moments to learn about your legal rights. You may have been able to prevent asbestos inhalation had you been informed as to its hazardous properties. For that reason, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. Order our free mesothelioma resource kit to learn more about the disease and its legal ramifications.
Last modified: December 09 2009.
