These days, most people know that asbestos is dangerous. They think of the risks of developing health issues, such as an aggressive type of cancer known as mesothelioma, which has a high fatality rate. Asbestos can also lead to other respiratory issues and health concerns.
So why was asbestos used in the first place? It used to be very common, beginning in the 1940s. It wasn’t actually banned until the 1970s. But if it had all of these health risks, why was it so widely used for around 30 years?
The risks were not yet understood
To begin with, the risks surrounding asbestos and mesothelioma are well-known today, but that was not always the case. These dangerous particles are microscopic, after all. Workers can’t actually see them. There is also a long delay with mesothelioma, as it has an extensive latency period. That means the cancer may not develop for 30 or 40 years after the asbestos exposure. That’s one reason it took people a long time to make the connection.
On top of that, asbestos does have some positive qualities. It’s an excellent insulator, for example. It is a fire retardant and doesn’t burn easily. It can provide insulation on both a thermal and acoustic basis, making buildings quieter and more efficient.
As a result, asbestos was often used in home construction with things like insulation, tiles, popcorn ceilings and more. Its fire-retardant qualities, in particular, were believed to keep people safe – though it was actually causing harm as the unknowing victims inhaled those microscopic particles.
Of course, all of these risks are much clearer today, and those who have suffered harm from asbestos exposure – or lost a loved one – need to know what legal options they have for seeking compensation.
