Asbestos

How Does Talc Become Contaminated With Asbestos?

March 1, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral known for its softness and versatility. This mineral is used in a wide range of consumer products. However, over the years, it has been discovered that talc can, at times, contain asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, which, when inhaled or ingested, can cause serious illnesses, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. If talc contains asbestos, it can contaminate products, and the end user can end up using asbestos-contaminated products without knowing and developing asbestos-related illnesses. In this article, we discuss how talc can become contaminated with asbestos.

What is Talc?

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral. This mineral has several notable properties that make it useful in a wide range of products. Talc is the softest mineral, and this property makes it useful in products that require a smooth and silky texture. This mineral can absorb moisture, making it suitable for products like baby and body powders and some cosmetic products. Talc is used in many cosmetics, including face powder, eye shadow, lipsticks, foundation, blush, and even children’s makeup. Additionally, talc is heat resistant and has lubricating properties.

Tips for Preventing Mesothelioma

February 29, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Every year, in February, the nation marks National Cancer Prevention Month. National Cancer Prevention Month is a time for spreading awareness about the importance of cancer prevention strategies. It is a time to spread the word and take action in order to live better, healthier, and happier lives. According to research, over 40% of cancer cases and almost half of cancer deaths can be attributed to preventable causes. This means that people can take steps that can dramatically reduce their risk of cancer. In this article, we share some tips on how to prevent mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. This illness affects the thin layer of tissue lining the chest and abdomen. When asbestos is disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Inhaling or ingesting these asbestos fibers can lead to health issues. Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs or other tissues and accumulate over time, causing inflammation.

Can a One-Time Exposure to Asbestos Be Harmful?

December 6, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can pose significant health risks. Most people know this. Asbestos can cause illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. When someone is exposed to asbestos, it is understandable for them to get worried. Asbestos-related diseases can be fatal. It is estimated that mesothelioma alone kills approximately 2,500 people yearly in the United States of America. But is asbestos dangerous if exposure only happened once? In other words, can a one-time exposure to asbestos be harmful?

Should You Be Worried About a One-Time Exposure to Asbestos?

The truth is that even a one-time exposure to asbestos can be harmful. Researchers have for a long time warned that no amount of asbestos is safe for humans. Any amount of asbestos exposure can be potentially dangerous and even deadly. However, a one-time or short-term exposure to asbestos may pose a relatively low health risk compared to repeated exposure. The chances of developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease are said to be higher for those who have been exposed to asbestos repeatedly or for a long time as compared to those who have been exposed to asbestos once or for a short time. For example, a person who was exposed to asbestos daily in their line of work may be more at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses as compared to someone who suffered exposure once during a house demolition.

Dangers of Improper Asbestos Disposal

November 27, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

It is crucial to handle asbestos safely. People should avoid performing asbestos removal themselves. Asbestos removal is a job that should be left to professionals. Ensuring that asbestos is disposed of correctly after removal is also crucial. Asbestos or asbestos-contaminated products should not be dumped just anywhere. Failure to properly dispose of asbestos can put people around the asbestos in danger. Any individual who wants to remove asbestos from a property should ensure that they seek the help of professionals. Hiring an asbestos abatement company is the only way to remove and dispose of asbestos safely.

The Proper Way of Disposing of Asbestos

When property owners want to remove asbestos, they must follow the proper steps. Failure to follow the right steps can put many people in danger. The first step to ensure proper removal and disposal of asbestos is hiring a certified asbestos abatement company. The first thing an asbestos abatement company will do is determine if asbestos is present. Sometimes, a person might think that asbestos is present when it really isn’t. If it is determined that asbestos is present, the next step will be to apply for permits. No demolition or renovation can begin until permits have been granted.

Mesothelioma Breath Test May Lead to Early Diagnosis

November 3, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

For people who have been exposed to asbestos, either directly or through secondary/second-hand exposure, one thing that is constantly on their minds is the possibility of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma develops in the tissue layer that covers most internal organs. There are different types of mesothelioma. They are pleura mesothelioma (the most common), peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, and testicular mesothelioma (the least common). According to statistics, there are around 3,000 new mesothelioma cases in the U.S. annually. Unfortunately, often, mesothelioma is diagnosed when it has progressed to late stages. This usually means an unfavorable prognosis, or in other words, a low chance of treatment success. A new mesothelioma breath test may allow mesothelioma patients to get early diagnoses.

Mesothelioma Breath Test Study Reveals Encouraging Results

Recently, Belgian scientists explained the results of their mesothelioma breath test study (MESOBREATH 5). While the study is in the early stages, the results gathered so far show that there is hope. From the start of last year, 121 people with a history of asbestos exposure dating back to at least 30 years ago underwent breath testing. Seven out of the 121 people have already been confirmed to have mesothelioma. Those seven received the same testing as the others as a control. Each of the seven confirmed mesothelioma patients tested positive for the illness two years in a row, indicating that the breath test can detect mesothelioma.

Crucial Things You Should Know About Secondary Asbestos Exposure

October 26, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

There are two types of asbestos exposure — primary and secondary exposure. Primary asbestos exposure, also called occupational exposure, occurs when someone who works with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials suffers exposure at work. Occupations at great risk of asbestos exposure include construction, firefighting, power plant, shipyard, mining, factory, and boiler work. Secondary exposure, which is also called second-hand exposure, is when someone who does not directly work with asbestos or asbestos-contaminated materials suffers asbestos exposure. Most people know about primary asbestos exposure, but some people do not know about secondary exposure. Some people do not know that secondary asbestos exposure can lead to asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Below, we share some crucial things you need to know about secondary asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Fibers are Not Confined to a Work Space

Asbestos fibers are not confined to a work environment. These tiny fibers can find their way out of a work environment. Asbestos fibers can get stuck on, for example, a construction worker’s clothes, hair, or skin. The worker can then unknowingly carry the asbestos fibers home. This may then lead to the people living with the construction workers suffering asbestos exposure. For example, the worker’s spouse may suffer asbestos exposure when cleaning asbestos-contaminated clothes. This is how secondary asbestos exposure occurs.

Can a Dust Mask Protect From Asbestos?

March 14, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is quite hazardous. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos can lead to various illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Because of this, it is vital for people at risk of encountering asbestos to protect themselves. For construction workers and carpenters, for instance, wearing a dust mask protects them from dust and dirt. A dust mask is a standard part of PPE in many workplaces. But can a dust mask protect from asbestos?

The general rule is that a dust mask is insufficient to protect from asbestos. A simple dust mask may not be enough to prevent a person from developing an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma. Indeed, a dust mask may stop some asbestos fibers, but it is not enough. It is best not to trust a dust mask to protect from asbestos and asbestos-related illnesses.

The Risk of Asbestos

Legacy Asbestos: Some Crucial Information You Should Have

March 3, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is a substance that can cause several life-threatening diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. This dangerous mineral is no longer used as frequently as it was many years ago because of strict regulations. Unfortunately, even though asbestos is no longer being used as it was before the 1980s, there is a significant risk of people being exposed to legacy asbestos.

What is Legacy Asbestos?

Legacy asbestos was put in place before governments started regulating the use of asbestos, but it still presents a hazard. The passing of time and forgetting of asbestos that was put in place many years ago is what causes asbestos to become legacy asbestos. Unfortunately, most people do not know that legacy asbestos exists, and that is what makes legacy asbestos so dangerous.

How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?

January 28, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is a mineral found in soil and rock. This mineral is made up of tiny fibers which can be inhaled or ingested. After someone is exposed to asbestos, they may end up developing different diseases. Mesothelioma is one of the common diseases people suffer after exposure to asbestos. If you or a loved one has received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may wonder how much asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. You probably think that something else caused your or your loved one’s mesothelioma, especially if you or your loved one have not been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period.

So, how much asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma? Any level of asbestos exposure is dangerous and can cause mesothelioma. It is possible to develop mesothelioma even after exposure to asbestos once or for a short time. However, prolonged asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos for several years. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers can relocate in different body parts after prolonged exposure and lead to different forms of mesothelioma.

Do All the People Who are Exposed to Asbestos Develop Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma and Improper Asbestos Disposal

December 27, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

The disposal of asbestos must be tackled in a specific manner. Improper disposal of asbestos can put people at risk of suffering asbestos exposure, thus developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. Even if the fibers are outdoors, they can be kicked up high enough for someone to inhale them. Because of how dangerous improper asbestos disposal can be, it is crucial for anyone removing asbestos to involve a professional. Asbestos abatement professionals are highly trained to follow the correct procedures. On top of putting the lives of others at risk, anyone who disposes of asbestos improperly faces serious fines or penalties if they break one of the laws regulating asbestos removal and disposal. Asbestos abatement professionals are highly trained to follow the laid down rules.

Homeowners and Asbestos Abatement and Disposal

Sometimes landowners decide to remove and dispose of asbestos on their own. However, this is risky. If a property owner believes they have asbestos on their property, certain steps must be taken to ensure the dangerous mineral is removed and disposed of in a safe manner. If a landowner decides to handle the removal and disposal of asbestos on their own, they put a lot of people in danger. They also risk facing fines and penalties if they break one of the laws regulating asbestos removal and disposal.