Sheet Rope

Dangers of Asbestos

Ancient cultures recognized the benefits provided by asbestos, a fibrous mineral that is found in abundant natural deposits all over the world. While these cultures may not have understood that it contains specific toxins that can be inhaled, they were aware that it was a great health hazard. In particular, the inhalation of microscopic fibers can cause difficulties with breathing and diseases that are often deadly. Today we categorize these conditions as respiratory disorders, such as asbestosis and a type of cancer known as mesothelioma. There are four different mesothelioma cell types including epithelial, sarcomatoid mesothelioma, biphasic mesothelioma and papillary mesothelioma. Because the mesothelioma latency period is quite long (sometimes up to 30 or 40 years), the disease is often diagnosed in the latter stages and the survival rate statistics for it are not always favorable. Mesothelioma cancer clinics around the country do offer experimental treatments such as mesothelioma photo-dynamic therapy, brachytherapy and immunotherapy. Read our mesothelioma treatment guide for more information.

The general public now understands the same facts about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma that were known so many years ago, but for a period of time that information was lost, at least in America. The time in question went on for about a century and began in the late 1800's as the level of industry in this country started to grow immensely. Around that time plentiful asbestos deposits were discovered, and mining companies found they could retrieve it easily and inexpensively. Manufacturers became aware that the mineral not only provided a great amount of strength to their products, but also came with the added benefit of being fire resistant. Since it was able to endure even the hottest temperatures, asbestos was perceived as an ideal insulating material.

Sheet Rope and Asbestos

Sheet Rope was a type of insulation that was commonly used for boilers, piping and furnaces. It helped maintain a safe and steady temperature within the equipment, and it was thought to protect the people who toiled close by. Though it was true that it did help keep both the equipment and workers secure in some ways, the poisonous material contained within was a danger to everyone who was around it. People could easily breathe in asbestos particles and not know this had happened. They often weren't aware of it until years later, when they were diagnosed with asbestos related diseases.

When they did find out that they were sick because of products like Sheet Rope, people got very angry and sought legal advice on what their rights were. This led to lawsuits being filed against manufacturers who produced these goods. The majority of the companies ended up requesting bankruptcy protection and were allowed to remain in business with the stipulation that they would create a trust fund to provide for people who were victimized by the merchandise they had created.

Learn More About Your Options

New lawsuits continue to be filed, and this may continue for decades. Part of the reason for this is that there could be many products like Sheet Rope still in use, so more people may be afflicted by them over time. Those who are afflicted may need help understanding their rights and what they should do next. We are here to help answer those questions, and have created an information kit for that purpose. You can request one on this website, and we will send it to you free of charge.