Asbestos in Cord
What is asbestos cord?
Before knowledge of its harmful effects was widely known, asbestos was the easy and logical choice for fireproofing materials in the United States. With its ability to resist heat and flame, asbestos was heralded as the go-to material for countless household and industrial products. Asbestos cord was, and is no different. Asbestos fibers were shaped into cords and ropes that served a wide variety of household insulating functions on windows, ovens, tea kettles, frying pans, and other kitchen appliances. In industry, asbestos cord was used on thermal insulations and heat conduction systems. Despite its status as a dangerous carcinogen, asbestos cord is still being manufactured in countries such as China with fewer industrial regulations, and then exported to the US.
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Can asbestos cord cause mesothelioma?
Intact asbestos cord poses minimal risk. But like any other material, asbestos cord can become worn (friable), ripped, or otherwise damaged, releasing hazardous asbestos fibers into the air. Depending on the type of asbestos used and the duration and volume of exposure, breathing in these fibers can cause very serious and often times fatal asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma.
But the hazards of asbestos cords are not confined to the worksite where the cords are used. Importing asbestos cords and other asbestos products can contaminate the shipping vessel and the surrounding cargo, as well as posing substantial risks for the shippers and longshoremen who handle the cargo.
Long term exposure to any form of asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, as well as malignant mesothelioma, a rare but deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Often symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases take decades to appear, so victims may not even be aware that they have been exposed to asbestos until it’s too late.
Mesothelioma attorneys may be able to help you
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease caused by exposure to asbestos cords or any other asbestos product, contact a mesothelioma attorney immediately. Mesothelioma attorneys have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients win compensation for lost wages and medical costs.