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New Device Could Detect Asbestos in The Air

Asbestos is a material that cannot be seen or smelled, but that doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Asbestos wreaks havoc on the human body. Individuals who were exposed to asbestos decades ago may go on to develop mesothelioma later in life, a deadly form of cancer that typically affects the outer lining of the lungs. Asbestos exposure can cause other diseases, as well.

Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to detect asbestos. Individuals may be exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in areas where asbestos is naturally occurring.

But a new device could bring about major change in asbestos detection.

A British company, Alert Technology, has developed the first device that can accurately detect asbestos in the air. Its ALERT Pro 1000 model is set to launch in 2019, and is known as the world’s first real-time asbestos testing device.

The device uses laser technology to identify asbestos fibers that are airborne. The light pattern helps to identify the particle in the air. If it is asbestos, an alert sounds.

The asbestos detector could be used in jobs and industries where asbestos exposure is common, such as construction, mining, and pipefitting. Asbestos may be released into the air during demolition projects or explosions, for example.

The typical way to detect asbestos is to take a test sample and send it in to a lab for testing. This is a timely process. Many people could be exposed to asbestos while test results are pending.

The ALERT System is an innovative solution that could make worksites and workplaces safer, and reduce asbestos exposure among workers.

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Welder Blames Former Employer for Asbestos Exposure

Working with or around asbestos is dangerous, and South Carolina employers should always be certain that they provide workers with the proper safety gear, training and knowledge to do so safely. Sadly, many workplaces conceal this type of important information, leaving workers in the dark about their situation. Many are not even aware that they experienced asbestos exposure until they develop the deadly health effects.

An out of-state-man is suing his former employer, blaming the company for his current sickness. Starting in 1965, he spent 40 years working for the company Irby’s Steel. He left the company in 2005, and in 2016 received his diagnosis — lung cancer. And not just any lung cancer, but one that is linked to asbestos exposure.

According to his lawsuit, he was routinely exposed to asbestos fibers in the air while carrying out his work duties. Irby’s Steel allegedly knew that many of the products used by its workers contained asbestos, but failed to act responsibly. The welder says he never received adequate warning about the asbestos and was never given instructions on how to protect himself from asbestos fibers.

When workers in South Carolina develop mesothelioma, lung cancer or other serious medical conditions because of their employer’s negligence, they can take action. A successful suit might not undo the damage caused by asbestos exposure, but it can provide necessary financial compensation for related medical bills, lost wages and any pain and suffering. These types of claims can also be effective at forcing companies to enact better safety precautions, which protect future workers.

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Back-to-school Shopping with a Side of Asbestos Exposure?

Back-to-school time is an exciting period for parents and children alike. South Carolina families are usually focused on clothes shopping and buying new supplies in the weeks leading up to the start of the new term. Few, however, have asbestos exposure on the mind.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund — a consumer advocacy group — tests school supplies, looking for possible toxins or carcinogens that could be dangerous to children. This year, it found asbestos in one brand of crayons. Playskool crayons are sold at a variety of retailers and are a popular choice for parents who are shopping for supplies.

The group singled out the green crayons manufactured by Playskool, which is the only color found to contain tremolite. Tremolite is a form of asbestos which poses serious health concerns if it is inhaled or ingested. Small children ingesting crayons is not out of the ordinary, and the group has strongly urged retailers — including the Dollar Tree, where the crayons were purchased — to take the products off their shelves. However, the Dollar Tree’s vice president insisted that the Playskool crayons were safe and said that the company has no intentions of removing them from its stores.

The Dollar Tree seems to be particularly dangerous when it comes to school supplies. The group also found significant lead levels in two different water bottles sold at the chain retailer. Other supplies showed worrying levels of benzene phthalates, both of which are dangerous.

South Carolina parents should not have face constant worry over their children’s school supplies. Unfortunately, many companies prioritize their own bottom lines over consumer safety. When asbestos exposure from dangerous products leads to serious medical conditions like mesothelioma or lung cancer, victims can seek financial compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering and more. However, keeping detailed documentation of known exposures is essential since the side effects can take years to develop.

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Should I be worried about one-time asbestos exposure?

Most people are aware of the dangers of asbestos. And most people would be justifiably concerned if they were exposed to asbestos.

This is what happened after a steam pipe exploded in New York City’s Flatiron District in July. Asbestos was found in the lining of the pipes that exploded.

Nearby buildings were evacuated, and residents were warned that dangerous materials may have been released into the air and settled in buildings and air conditioners.

Residents were advised to remove any clothing they were wearing that may have been contaminated. Decontamination sites were set up for those who were exposed.

The explosion and subsequent chemical exposure caused great concern among those living and working in the area. The potential asbestos exposure was of particular concern.

But just how dangerous is asbestos exposure if it only occurred one time?

Is one-time asbestos exposure dangerous?

There is minimal risk in being exposed to asbestos one time. In fact, most people have been exposed to asbestos at some time in their lives.

According to the CDC, the chances of developing asbestos-related cancer is higher for those who were repeatedly exposed to asbestos in an occupational environment, as compared to asbestos exposure that occurred one time (or for a short period of time), in the demolition of a house or in an urban setting, for example.

More exposure to asbestos increases an individual’s chances of developing asbestos-related cancers, including mesothelioma. Additionally, smokers who were exposed to asbestos had an even higher likelihood of developing asbestosis and asbestos-related cancers.

While theoretically someone could develop mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos one time, the greatest risk is among those who were repeatedly exposed to asbestos.

Individuals who have developed mesothelioma or another type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure at work have rights and legal options. It is advisable to speak to an attorney to learn about seeking justice and compensation.

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Pipe Explosion May Have Caused Asbestos Exposure for Hundreds

Innocent people in South Carolina can be exposed to asbestos through any number of means. Although contaminated baby powder and irresponsible renovations are perhaps the most well-known situations, these are far from the only situations that might lead to asbestos exposure. A recent explosion in another state put hundreds of people at risk.

A steam pipe that was nearly 90 years old exploded in the early hours of the morning, leaving behind a crater about 15 feet wide. The explosion also sent clouds of black and white steam into the air. The pipe that exploded was lined with asbestos — which was common for the time — and caused serious concern. Authorities evacuated 49 buildings after the explosion, 28 of which are in a so-called hot zone and are at an increased risk for asbestos contamination.

Initial testing apparently did not show any meaningful levels of asbestos in the air — although this does not necessarily mean that the air was free from the deadly toxin. However, debris on the ground tested positive for asbestos. Residents of the buildings within the hot spot are not allowed to return to their homes until they have been evaluated for contamination.

Individuals who must continue working and living near the blast site are wearing masks out of fear that asbestos may be lingering in the air. These fears are understandable, as asbestos exposure can lead to a myriad of life-threatening health problems, such as lung disease or the deadly cancer mesothelioma. When a company or person’s negligence caused the exposure that led to a disease, South Carolina victims can seek compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering and related issues.

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Where and When Did My Asbestos Exposure Occur?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lining of the lungs (the mesothelium). Mesothelioma can also affect other areas of the body (including the stomach, heart, and testicles) but these forms of cancer are much more rare.

There is one known cause of mesothelioma: Exposure to asbestos.

Because it can take decades for mesothelioma to develop – decades from the point of exposure to the cancer diagnosis – it is not always obvious where or when the exposure occurred.

Since the 1940s, thousands of workers have been exposed to asbestos on the job. Workplace exposure is the most common source of asbestos exposure.

Let’s look at some common points of asbestos exposure:

  • Jobs and industries: There are certain industries in which asbestos exposure has commonly occurred: Shipbuilding, mining, construction, mechanics, firefighting, factories, demolition, manufacturing plants, and power plants. Exposure to asbestos may have occurred in other industries, as well.
  • Family members: When a worker is exposed to asbestos at work, he or she may transport asbestos fibers home. Family members may therefore be at risk for secondary asbestos exposure.
  • Proximity to asbestos: Individuals who lived near an asbestos source, such as a mine, may have been exposed to asbestos.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you do not know where or when asbestos exposure occurred, you should consider talking to an attorney. It may be necessary to look several decades back. It is possible to identify the source of asbestos exposure, even when it does not seem obvious.

Free consultation: To speak to an attorney about asbestos exposure, call Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, at 866-548-6868. We represent clients nationwide.

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Victims May Not Recognize Asbestos Exposure When it Happens

Most people know that asbestos is dangerous and can lead to a number of health issues. However, few understand exactly what this toxic substance is or why asbestos exposure is so harmful to human health. By better understanding the substance and its identifying features, individuals in South Carolina can better protect themselves.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally and in rather abundant quantities. It is a seemingly incredibly useful substance, as it is resistant to heat and relatively strong. It was once favored as an insulator in homes and buildings, and used in a wide variety of other products, including in brake pads for vehicles. It was widely used for decades until its ill-effects became obvious, and all new uses in the United States were temporarily banned in 1989. That was overturned in 1990, although certain uses are still banned.

It is incredibly difficult for the average person to identify asbestos. After all, most people will not encounter this substance in the wild since it must be mined from the ground, meaning they have no idea what to look for. However, individuals should be aware of some of the most common areas in which asbestos may be found. These can include roofing felt, vinyl floor tiles, pipeline wrappings and more.

Asbestos is durable and fibrous, and the dust it produces can have long-lasting consequences if inhaled. Victims in South Carolina often develop serious diseases, such as mesothelioma or the less commonly known asbestosis, which is scarring on the lungs. Compensation for these injuries may feel out-of-reach, especially when dealing with a large corporation whose neglect led to asbestos exposure, but many victims achieve just legal recourse through carefully pursued civil suits.

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Construction Worker Blames Lung Cancer on Asbestos Exposure

Most people in South Carolina know that inhaling asbestos can lead to developing the deadly cancer mesothelioma. Less common knowledge, however, is that asbestos exposure can also cause other serious health issues. One woman claims that her lung cancer is the result of decades of exposure to asbestos, and she is seeking compensation for her injuries.

The woman was formerly employed in the construction industry between the years 1954 and 2000. Over these decades, she says that she was routinely put in contact with asbestos fibers, which she both inhaled and ingested. Apparently, at no point, did she receive adequate warnings or safety training regarding handling these items. All of this exposure allegedly culminated in a lung cancer diagnosis in May 2017.

Her suit claims that her lung cancer was wrongfully caused by the businesses that manufactured, distributed and sold those asbestos-laden items she handled throughout the course of her career. She names several responsible companies in her suit, including General Electric and Union Carbide Corp. According to her claim, the named companies understood that their products had asbestos and that the substance was toxic to humans, but they failed to adequately warn consumers of the danger.

She is seeking compensation for compensatory damages in excess of $50,000, and she is also asking for punitive damages as well as anything else that the court may deem appropriate. These types of payouts are often essential for South Carolina asbestos exposure victims. The resulting compensation from these suits typically goes toward medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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Children Bear Brunt of Asbestos Exposure in School Crisis

South Carolina parents send their children to school with the expectation that they will be taught in a safe and secure environment. Virtually no one expects that their child will suddenly fall ill because of the very building they are being sent to learn in. Unfortunately, for some parents and students, asbestos exposure from schools is a terrifying reality. An out-of-state school district claims that it is attempting to rectify the presence of dangerous toxic materials in its schools, but is so far not making much progress. Many of the schools were built before 1970 and are now laden with asbestos, lead and mold, which is having a profound impact on schoolchildren.

One family is suffering the consequences firsthand. A first-grade student’s behavior rapidly deteriorated and he struggled with easy math problems he had previously completed without issue. He was soon diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but that was not enough to explain the sudden change in his behavior. When his teacher spotted him placing a paint chip that had fallen from the ceiling into his mouth, they had their answers. Lead poisoning so severe that the amount in his blood was nine times higher than levels that experts acknowledge causes permanent brain damage.

At another elementary school, students and teachers repeatedly complained of devastating conditions, including burst pipes that saturated the children’s backpacks and rodents in the bathrooms. Things only worsened when a maintenance crew was brought in to rectify issues with mold and peeling paint — asbestos. The maintenance crew caused asbestos fibers to infiltrate the air, exposing children and school staff to what were described as “alarming levels” of asbestos.

Asbestos exposure is devastating and often leads to serious and long-term health consequences. Most people need extensive medical treatment to continue living as normal of a life as possible, but this can be both financially draining and emotionally exhaustive. For South Carolina victims, successfully pursued civil suits against the responsible party can help achieve compensation for these types of damages, which are essential to recovery.

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Contractors Put Apartment Residents at Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a toxic substance that causes severe ill health effects in humans. However, its deadly nature was not always common knowledge, and it used to be a commonly used substance for insulating buildings. Now that the effects of asbestos exposure are well understood, building owners, construction crews and others must be vigilant in preventing unnecessary risks South Carolina residents.

Residents of an out-of-state apartment complex were exposed to asbestos during renovations. Apparently, the contracting company hired to perform those renovations did not ensure that safety protocols were followed, which likely exposed all 12 units in the building to airborne asbestos dust. At one point, the contractors left asbestos-laden debris in the building’s hallway, and residents were forced to pass the debris when using the side door.

At some point local officials became aware of the problem and warned the building’s management team to comply with current safety standards. After management failed to do so, the fire department removed residents from the premises and decontaminated them. It is unclear how the residents’ belongings — including their vehicles — will be handled to prevent further spread of asbestos.

Although asbestos is most well-known for its mesothelioma and lung cancer causing abilities, it can also cause additional breathing issues. A friend of one of the residents reported that her friend’s health issues recently worsened. Her asthma allegedly got so bad that she required care in the emergency room several times over the past months.

No one wants to learn that their health has been compromised because a company or contractor failed to implement necessary safety protocols. Unfortunately, this is the reality that South Carolina residents dealing with asbestos exposure must face. Although compensation cannot undo any harm, successfully navigated civil suits can achieve just recourse for medical bills and ongoing pain and suffering.

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