It has been common knowledge for years now that asbestos can directly cause numerous cancers, such as cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovaries, as well as mesothelioma. Because of that, it’s easy to assume that the substance is banned and not allowed for any type of use in the United States. Well, think again. Believe it or not, there are actually many products on the market that still contain asbestos. While the use of asbestos is restricted, the U.S. is actually one of just a few developed nations that has not completely banned asbestos.

It is actually legal in the U.S. to include asbestos in products as long as the product doesn’t have more than one percent asbestos. These products are bought and sold every single day in the United States. And because no amount of asbestos exposure is safe, it’s critical to know what these specific products are.

Vehicle Parts

Many products that are required for cars, trucks, motorcycles and other motor vehicles contain asbestos. That includes brake pads, gaskets, pipes, and clutches. That’s why mechanics are one of the many occupations at risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Fire Safety Products

Fire safety products are obviously made to keep us safe, therefore, it’s critical to have them on hand and utilize these products in the event of a fire emergency. Yet many of these fire safety products actually contain asbestos fibers.

Asbestos fibers are soft and flexible and are naturally resistant to heat, so they are very effective in products like fire blankets, fire curtains, and spray-on fireproof coatings. Because of that, it’s important to be very careful in selecting these type of products and only use them when it’s really necessary.

Lab Equipment

Related to the above fire safety products is laboratory equipment. Fire safety is obviously important in labs, as it may be required to wear fireproof gloves or jackets for various experiments. Sometimes even tabletops in science labs can contain asbestos. So the same potential problem with fire safety products happens here. Thus, be mindful when using any equipment in a lab—or even cleaning it.

Talcum Powder

For years it has been common for many people—especially women—to use talcum powder for general hygiene. Talcum powder has also been commonly used in many makeup products (mainly because it’s good at absorbing moisture). Talc, however, is naturally exposed to asbestos, contaminating it completely. In the past couple of years, there have actually been companies forced to recall products because of asbestos contamination due to the talc in its products: the trendy tween store Justice recalled some of its makeup, as did the jewelry store Claire’s.

Building Materials

One industry that has been known to be affected by asbestos is the construction industry. Many homes and buildings built before 1980 have asbestos in products like the insulation, flooring, paint, and plaster. Because of that, it’s critical to be careful when doing renovation or demolition work. Specific safety gear like masks with filters is required when working on structures that contain any products containing asbestos.

Lawn Care Products

Fertilizers and potting soils contain many products, one of which is vermiculite, a mineral that usually contains asbestos fibers. So if you ever get hands-on in the yard or garden, use caution. When using any type of fertilizer products be sure to wear gloves and a mask so that you don’t inhale any dust or have asbestos-contaminated products get on your skin.

The Take-Away

It has taken decades for research to show the hazards of asbestos. Many efforts have been made to eliminate the danger from our everyday lives, but the danger is still very real. People develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers every single day. If you believe you are being exposed to asbestos in your home, place of work, a product, or anywhere else, take the appropriate action and call an asbestos contractor for help.

They can answer any questions about asbestos contamination and even help remove and clean up the contaminated items. To find one, contact your state or local health department. And if you have developed an asbestos-related disease or cancer, give us a call today. We can talk you through your legal rights and help you find out if you are eligible for monetary compensation.

BEGIN YOUR FIGHT TODAY

If you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum baby powder, you may qualify for compensation. Contact our experienced talc powder advocates to get the help you deserve.

We know how difficult struggling with a cancer diagnosis can be. Insurance companies, expensive medical costs, and taking time off from work can add to the strain. We believe that your total focus and attention should be on your recovery alone. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible care and compensation for your injuries.

Don’t wait to reach out – call (877) 564-0000 or fill out an online consultation form today. The compassionate advocates at Ovarian Cancer Support are ready to fight for you.