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Cement
As recently as the early 1970's, the mineral that is better known as asbestos was thought to be a prime material for use in a variety of construction based products. There were several reasons for this. First off, asbestos is an incredibly strong substance. When it is added to building materials and other heavy duty items, it helps to create goods that are very tough and durable. Next, it can hold up under most any type of weather condition. Even the coldest or hottest temperatures do not seem to have a negative effect on the mineral. Additionally, it can withstand water or fire, and was highly prized for its ability to help contain a fiery blaze. Many products that required fire retardant properties utilized asbestos as a key ingredient. Finally, it is an economical material because it is easy to find in large natural deposits.
Construction based goods such as cement highly benefited from the inclusion of asbestos. Similar to concrete, cement must be able to survive in nearly 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit and should be built to last for decades. All throughout the early to mid 1900's, asbestos was added to the mixture of cement that was used all throughout America. It wasn't until the later 1970's that the mineral was officially banned.
The ban came as a result of the important discovery that asbestos contains dangerous toxins that made people very sick and sometimes proved fatal. Exposure to the mineral is often responsible for the development of Mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer. This, and other diseases, began to plague people who worked in factories where the hazardous material was used, and customers who purchased the products that contained it.
An unmarred block of cement presents no danger, but when it is being mixed, while it is setting and anytime it is cracked or broken, microscopic bits of asbestos are released. They become airborne and are often breathed in by unsuspecting victims who may not find out until many years later that they have this poisonous material lodged within their respiratory system. This situation presented a great danger to the American public because cement was used in so many locations. People can still be exposed to asbestos if they come across broken chunks of cement that contain the hazardous mineral.
Manufacturers began to find alternate mixtures that did not include asbestos when the terrifying news was released. Sadly, some opted to ignore the threat and continued to use it without so much as alerting their employees of the danger they were facing. More and more people became sick, and thousands of lawsuits were filed. Use of the mineral was finally officially banned by the government, and every company was forced to rid their products of any trace of asbestos.
If you or a loved has been affected by an item containing this poisonous material, you may be wondering what your rights and options are. We have put together an informative brochure for just that purpose. Request your free copy today.