Asbestos exposure is a known cause of asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a terminal cancer. Over a period of decades, the U.S. has passed legislation limiting its use. Mind you, there are countries that actually prohibit the importation of asbestos, but the U.S. isn’t one of them.
Houston and Dallas were among the top four cities to important asbestos between 1948 through 1993, according to City lab.com. In fact, in 2015 the U.S. legally imported approximately 716,000 pounds of asbestos.
Recently with the newly confirmed head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and his lack of concern about asbestos, various individuals have feared that decreased funding for regulation and removal could make asbestos even more of a risk.
Asbestos Exposure Facts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) both state that there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber. OSHA goes on to say that asbestos exposures as short in duration as a few days have caused mesothelioma. OSHA requires employers to provide for personal protective equipment and medically monitor workers when asbestos exposure exceeds legal limits and exposure times. (OSHA)
The World Health Organization (WHO) holds that asbestos is highly dangerous and significant occupational carcinogen. Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 Americans die every year from asbestos related causes.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicated in a 2001 report that the level of asbestos in cities is about 10 times higher than in rural America.
An investigation by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) in 2007 discovered asbestos in a child’s toy along with four other consumer products.
Get a Legal Opinion if You Have Been Adversely Affected by Asbestos
If you’ve lost a loved one or have suffered illness due to asbestos exposure, contact the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz. We work diligently to help protect your rights.
Recent Comments