Frequently Asked Questions

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, the tissue that lines the lungs, abdomen, and heart. As is the case with all cancers, mesothelioma is not contagious. While some cancers can be hereditary, such as breast and ovarian cancer, mesothelioma is not hereditary. If multiple members of a certain family develop mesothelioma, it is likely that this is due to secondhand exposure to asbestos. Secondary exposure can occur when a family member unknowingly brings home microscopic asbestos fibers that are attached to their clothes, body, or hair, after working around asbestos.

Mesothelioma is an ultimately fatal form of cancer. However, if the cancer is discovered early, it can be treated and often slowed down significantly. Some procedures include surgery to remove the mesothelium and chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. Depending on when mesothelioma is caught and diagnosed, a patient’s prognosis can range between a few months to five years or more. More than half of all mesothelioma victims die within 18 months of discovery.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that was for many years used in an array of products due to the mineral’s natural fire-resistance properties. It is, however, very dangerous unless it is handled properly by a licensed asbestos specialist. Breathing in stray asbestos fibers after they have been disturbed can lead to several fatal diseases, including asbestos-caused lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

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Mesothelioma can be treated, like most cancers, though the treatment’s effectiveness varies depending on what stage the cancer has advanced to. Treatment options for mesothelioma are determined by the age and healthiness of the patient, the stage of the cancer, whether or not the cancer seems resectable (removable through surgery), and the probability of a given treatment method to help improve the state of the patient. A patient’s preferences will also play a role in determining how to treat a certain case of mesothelioma.

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Mesothelioma kills because it is a terminal form of cancer. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects nearly 75 percent of all mesothelioma patients, attacks the linings of a person’s lungs, called the mesothelium. Caused by asbestos exposure, mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cross the lung surface and enter the pleural cavity. Over time, asbestos fibers can overwhelm a body’s defense cells and cause an inflammatory reaction. As a result, the lung gets “trapped,” as it is no longer able to expand easily. Eventually, if the entire cancer cannot be removed from the thin layer of the mesothelium, a person can die.

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Mesothelioma is a terminal form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral mined from beneath the earth’s surface. Most commonly mesothelioma is caused by repeated and prolonged exposure to asbestos, and such extended exposure typically occurs at one’s workplace, where asbestos is being mined or used in manufacturing on a consistent basis. A person can also be exposed to asbestos during the asbestos abatement process or through secondhand exposure.

Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive form of cancer, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, naturally occurring mineral, and, when disturbed, it can release microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers, once inadvertently breathed in, can become lodged in a person’s lung lining, called the mesothelium. If the body’s defense cells are unable to fend off and destroy the asbestos fibers, it can ultimately lead to cancer.

Asbestos is an organic, fibrous mineral that is found commonly in nature. To this day, asbestos is mined from the earth to be used most commonly in the manufacturing of products that require strong fireproofing. Because of asbestos’s fibrous nature, it can easily be damaged and release microscopic fibers into the air. If these fibers are inhaled or ingested, the result could be a particularly deadly form of cancer called mesothelioma. There are three types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer, and a deadly disease known as asbestosis.

Found in many products in the home, including tiles, roofing shingles, and insulation, among others, asbestos is dangerous when it is disturbed. Because some asbestos-based products are easily friable, vinyl products and the like become dangerous when they are damaged and the asbestos fibers become airborne. Once airborne, the fibers may be inadvertently breathed in and lead to mesothelioma and other diseases. Typically, tile products that contain asbestos are considered to be non-friable.

Asbestos shingles are on the exterior of your home, and as long as they are kept in good condition and are not destroyed or damaged, they do not typically pose a serious health threat. The presence of asbestos in a home, apartment, or building is not necessarily hazardous in and of itself. Rather, the threat to safety arises when asbestos-based materials and products get disturbed and microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI), there is a possible link between exposure to asbestos and an elevated risk for carcinoma of the breast, though the extent of this correlation is not yet fully understood. Some studies have determined that there are higher rates of breast cancer among women who have been exposed to asbestos, however, this link has not been conclusively proven. Researchers are still determining how asbestos can affect breast tissue in both women and men.

Studies on asbestos’s link to asthma are not yet conclusive. Authors of a 2011 study that appeared the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reported a suspected likelihood that asbestos exposure may itself be a risk factor for the development of bronchial asthma. Studies prior to this determined the opposite. Because asbestos-triggered diseases can affect a person’s breathing, initial diagnoses can be challenging; often symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma resemble that of asthma and pneumonia.

About half of all cases of prostate cancer are hereditary, which means that an increased risk for the disease typically runs in the family. While family history is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer, other studies have determined additional risk factors to be: ethnicity, diet, environment, and age. Asbestos is another potential risk factor that has been studied. Though no conclusive results have been produced, many of these studies have shown possible correlations between exposure to asbestos and prostate cancer.

Two separate bans of asbestos occurred in the United Kingdom. First, in 1985, both amosite and crocidolite forms of asbestos were banned. Fourteen years later, on August 24th, 1999, the U.K. banned chrysotile asbestos—a ban which came a mere month after the European Union (EU) called for a ban on chrysotile asbestos. Deputy Prime Minister John Leslie Prescott signed The Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations, five years ahead of the proposed European deadline.

Though it is recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to test for the presence of asbestos with the help of a certified professional using special equipment, so-called do-it-yourself asbestos kits are another, often cheaper option. Such a kit involves running a chemical test for the identification of asbestos. The results of the home testing kit can help a homeowner or a building manager determine if there is a serious asbestos problem that needs to be addressed immediately. For removal, it is recommended that a certified contractor be hired to remove asbestos-based materials from a home or building.

Both external and internal house and building walls can be created by using asbestos materials, such as siding or cladding. Asbestos cement sheets were also commonly used for outdoor building walls like those in sheds and garages. Because of asbestos’s naturally fibrous appearance, walls containing asbestos may appear white and stringy in composition, especially when they have been damaged, chipped, or disturbed. Asbestos walls vary in appearance, though such walls can be identified due to distinctive connections between panels. Some cement wall sheets were stamped with asbestos identification marks during their production, but this practice was not common.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a lung disease that most commonly refers to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In most cases, COPD is caused by smoking, but the disease can be triggered by environmental toxins such as abundant pollution, chemical fumes, and exposure to asbestos and silica dust. Because the use of asbestos was so widespread in industrial workplaces around the U.S., many workers have inhaled asbestos fibers and gone on to develop lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and COPD.

According to some state health officials around the United States, exposure to asbestos will not cause skin or throat itchiness or irritation. Likewise, asbestos will not cause a person to cough or sneeze, unless the asbestos dust is produced in vast quantities.

Asbestos is a carcinogen that can prove lethal if it is disturbed and its tiny fibers are released into the air. In homes built before 1975, asbestos was commonly used in many household materials, including insulation, but also:

• Vinyl floor tiles
• Window caulking and glazing
• Roofing materials
• Shingles
• HVAC duct insulation
• Siding material
• Plaster
• Some forms of paint

The mere presence of asbestos in your home is not necessarily hazardous. Generally speaking, materials containing asbestos that are kept in good condition will not pose a major health risk. When asbestos is in the home, leave it alone, and do not damage or destroy it; this is when it becomes a major health-risk factor. If you are worried about asbestos exposure in your house, the best course of action is to contact a certified asbestos abatement contractor who will help remove asbestos products from your house.

Asbestos can affect the body in a number of ways. Once inhaled or ingested, this fibrous mineral can cause an irritating or inflammatory reaction inside the body. Typically, asbestos fibers attack the body’s mesothelium, which is the thin, protective tissue that surrounds one’s internal organs, including the heart, lungs, and abdomen. Over time, typically between 20-50 years, scarring can develop on these tissues and ultimately cause cancer, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs in nature. It is not made by humans; rather, the mineral is mined. Asbestos was used in the manufacturing processes of many industrial products throughout the twentieth century due its natural strength, fireproofing qualities, and stringy, fibrous nature.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), all six forms of asbestos are known carcinogens and can be extremely dangerous to the health and wellbeing of humans. Getting exposed to asbestos and breathing in or ingesting its fibers can lead to an array of cancers, including cancers of lung, larynx, ovaries, and mesothelioma (a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, or the thin linings that protect the heart, abdomen, and lungs).

Though asbestos can be found in certain types of flooring and roofing tiles, it is commonly considered to be safe as long as it remains in good condition. If, however, these tiles are damaged, destroyed, or disturbed (cracked, torn apart, or broken, etc.), they can become dangerous and pose a major health risk to people. Disturbed tiles can cause loose asbestos fibers to become airborne, which is when such asbestos poses its greatest risk.

Regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous wastes are typically controlled and addressed by certain standards imposed by the government agency. By EPA definition, a hazardous waste is any waste that can be dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous waste exists in all states of matter—liquid, solid, and gas. Asbestos is a hazardous waste because it is carcinogenic and poses a threat to human health and safety.

Generally speaking, asbestos is not still used in the production of new brakes, brake pads, and clutches. For many years, however, it was used as a fundamental component of brake pads and linings, as well as clutch facings and gaskets. To this day, brakes and clutches on millions of cars, trucks, buses, and semi-trailers still contain high levels of asbestos in accordance with their time of production.

Asbestos is made from naturally-occurring fibrous minerals found in rocks and soil. Industrial-scale mining of these minerals began in Quebec, Canada in the 1880s. Canada remained the leading producer until 2011. When asbestos was used commercially, the material was known as a “miracle mineral” for properties that proved useful in construction and fireproofing, such as heat resistance, durability, and sound absorption.

Asbestos becomes poisonous when its fibers dislodge from asbestos-containing materials and separate into microscopic pieces. These pieces, when released into the air, are small enough to be breathed into the lungs. Over time, they can then build up and become hazardous to health. If the fibers are inhaled over long periods of time and continue to line the walls of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, it can increase the risk of diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Asbestos has been banned in many countries throughout the world, but is still not entirely banned in the United States. Some asbestos-containing materials have been prohibited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but other forms of asbestos are used in the U.S. for certain purposes. Asbestos can still be used in the manufacture and processing of, for example:

• Clothing
• Pipeline wrap
• Vinyl floor tile
• Roof coatings

Textured ceiling paint – also known as popcorn ceiling – can contain asbestos. Asbestos was used in the construction of homes built between the late 1930s through the 1990s (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned asbestos use in textured ceiling paint in 1978, but manufacturers were allowed to deplete any existing inventory). Not all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. The best way to find out whether your home’s ceilings were built with asbestos is to have a sample tested by a professional.

Asbestos is a mineral made up of microscopic fibers, or strands. In commercial settings, such as insulation, asbestos appears as a thick, grayish fuzz. However, asbestos is often invisible to the naked eye – either when airborne or contained in other materials, such as ceiling tiles or clothing.

In general, asbestos is considered harmless when contained securely inside a material, such as those used in construction. However, asbestos can become dangerous when an asbestos-containing material is damaged or disturbed and its microscopic fibers are released into the air. In this case, airborne asbestos can enter the body and, in many cases, pass into the lungs or digestive tract. When trapped inside the body, asbestos can cause dangerous health problems such as mesothelioma, which is a lethal cancer.

Asbestos can be found inside or outside any residential or commercial building built before the year 2000. The mineral can still be found in millions of American homes today. Common parts of a building that may contain asbestos include:

• Floor tiles
• Ceiling tiles
• Cement shingles
• Insulation
• Soundproofing applications
• Paint or plaster
• Casing for electrical wires

Homes should be inspected by a professional to identify asbestos-containing products.

If asbestos is found inside a product or building, an accredited professional may determine that the product is likely to deteriorate or be disturbed. In this case, it is important that the asbestos is handled and removed safely. If it is mishandled or not removed in a timely manner, asbestos can cause health concerns such as mesothelioma. Government health and environmental agencies strongly recommend hiring a licensed asbestos removal contractor to assess what is required for removal and to then perform proper, safe removal and disposal.

Asbestos use dates back to Ancient Egypt (at least 4,500 years), with specific uses developing throughout history. Its toxicity was first discovered by German doctors in the 1930s, when they reported evidence of asbestos-related cancer. Doctors finally made firm conclusions that asbestos causes diseases such as mesothelioma in the 1960s.

Asbestos was used in homes built between the 1930s and the 1990s. It was highly favored in commercial construction for its protective chemical and physical properties – such as thermal stability, durability, electrical resistance, and flexibility – as well as its affordability. At the time, it was deemed safe, until exposure to asbestos was later found to increase risks of diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos can cause chronic diseases that lead to death. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they build up in the lining of the lungs, heart, and chest, as the body is unable to break them down. This can trigger a number of health complications. The most dangerous form of disease caused by asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a rare cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 3,000 people each year are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, representing 0.02 percent of cancer cases in the U.S. The disease is incurable at this stage, meaning all mesothelioma cases result in death.

Most mesothelioma settlements are tax-free, to an extent. Generally, wrongful death settlements are free of tax, but payouts can be taxed in certain cases depending on a variety of factors. Mesothelioma settlements are still more complex, as many people in these cases are also awarded punitive damages or awards for emotional stress. These damages are always taxable, because they aren’t considered compensation. Awards for lost wages are also taxable.

Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning many years can transpire before symptoms of the disease develop. Thus, it can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the 5-year survival rate (or the percentage of people who live 5 years past diagnosis) for people with mesothelioma is between 5 and 10 percent. Life expectancy for mesothelioma patients can depend on factors such as age and stage of the disease, but is 12 to 21 months on average.

Malignant mesothelioma is terminal. It is a rare form of cancer closely linked with asbestos exposure, which can be lethal at high levels. The disease takes a long time to develop – often around 30 years or more. By the time it is diagnosed, mesothelioma is usually in advanced stages. Most patients have 12 months to live after diagnosis, while 5 to 10 percent of patients survive 5 years or more. This depends on factors such as age, overall health, and how far along the disease has developed.

Roofs of buildings built between the late 1930s through the 1990s likely contain asbestos. During this time, it was believed that asbestos use was safe and highly useful because of its fireproof properties. However, asbestos was later confirmed to be dangerous if consumed, as the mineral can build up in the lungs and cause life-threatening conditions such as mesothelioma. Asbestos roofs are harmless if they remain intact, but are a concern if they are damaged or disturbed in any way.

When in good condition and undisturbed, asbestos shingles are not hazardous. However, if the shingles deteriorate or become damaged, they can expel asbestos fibers and pose a serious threat to health. Airborne asbestos fibers can enter the body and accumulate within the lungs, stomach, or heart, which can cause diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma – the latter of which is a fatal cancer. Damaged shingles must be removed immediately by a licensed professional.

Asbestos exposure is linked to several different types of cancer. Studies suggest that being exposed to asbestos for long periods of time may result in cancers of the throat, stomach, colon, rectum, and ovaries. This link is not yet clear, and it is also unclear how asbestos affects the risk of these cancers. Mesothelioma, a cancer most often related to the lungs, has a stronger link with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure can harm lung cells and cause various diseases of the lungs. These include scarring (asbestosis), non-cancerous tissue disease, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. However, other respiratory infections such as asthma and pneumonia are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is still important to ask your doctor about getting a vaccine against pneumonia if you think you have been exposed to asbestos, as this infection is an early sign of lung cancer. Symptoms to look out for include:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Pain in chest abdomen
• Muscle weakness

Leukemia is one of the most common occupational cancers, meaning the disease is caused by exposure to cancer-causing substances at work. While mesothelioma – another common occupational cancer – is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos, leukemia is usually linked to exposure to iodizing radiation and chemicals such as benzene, ethylene oxide, and formaldehyde. However, some studies suggest that workers in industrial settings are at higher risk of contracting leukemia through exposure to asbestos. More research is needed to confirm this link.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that can be found in large deposits within rocks and soil worldwide. The first commercial use of asbestos was located in Quebec, Canada in the 19th century, but asbestos use dates back at least 4,500 years. Archaeologists have even found asbestos fibers in debris from the Stone Age.

When asbestos fibers are tightly clustered, they have a light, fuzzy appearance. After processing, asbestos looks similar to silk or shiny synthetic material. Because they can be virtually identical to fiberglass, asbestos fibers are difficult to identify visually. The individual fibers themselves are also invisible to the naked eye, and when contained within finished products are impossible to identify without professional inspection.

The most common way for asbestos to enter the body is by inhaling airborne fibers. Most fibers will become trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose or throat. But some may be deposited within air passages in the lungs, and others, if swallowed, can also enter the stomach. In this case, nearly all fibers will pass along the intestines and leave the body through feces. But if the fibers penetrate cells or become trapped within the lungs or stomach, they can build up over time and remain in place for many years. This can cause health risks such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when materials that contain asbestos are damaged, disturbed, or moved unsafely. Because they are so small, cannot evaporate into the air, and do not break down over time, the fibers may stay suspended in the air for hours, if not days.

Asbestos will not make you cough or sneeze at first exposure. In fact, most people are unable to tell whether asbestos is harming their lungs until symptoms develop decades after they are first exposed. If a patient develops mesothelioma (a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure), they will eventually experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Homeowners should never try to remove asbestos on their own. Government health and environmental agencies strongly recommend hiring highly-trained professionals with specialized safety equipment to identify and remove asbestos. Because asbestos can be an extremely harmful substance, it’s important to handle, remove, and dispose of asbestos-containing products with care.

Asbestos fibers cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs. The body responds by trapping the fibers in cells to protect and lubricate the lung tissue. The asbestos fibers can cause mutations in these protective cells, and damage the signals that control their growth. Mutated mesothelial cells eventually grow uncontrollably, causing mesothelioma tumors that spread across the lining of the lungs or other organs.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen, most commonly associated with mesothelioma, but also linked to other diseases. Mesothelioma is a cancer which attacks organs, including the lungs and heart. In advanced stages, mesothelioma can cause organ failure and death. The cancer can metastasize, or spread, beyond the lungs and attack the brain, liver, or bones. Asbestos-related diseases result in many symptoms and complications, so there is no single cause of death associated with asbestos.

Asbestos is not illegal in the United States. Specific products with asbestos have been banned, but there are still many legal uses. Asbestos is legally used in products including: roofing and plumbing materials, cement sheeting and pipe, automotive components, floor tiles, and clothing. Asbestos is regulated by the Clean Air Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). In 1989, a rule issued in the TSCA banned most asbestos products, but the rule was overturned in 1991. The result is that relatively few products containing asbestos are illegal in the United States.

Asbestos was commonly used in concrete roofing, flooring, and insulation. There are hundreds of concrete insulation products which contain asbestos. Asbestos cement, sometimes referred to as “transite,” was frequently used for water and sewage pipes from the 1940s to the 1960s. Another compound, called soft concrete, was used in roofing because it was strong and lightweight. A majority of the asbestos mined worldwide is used in concrete products.

The condition of materials containing asbestos should be considered carefully before removal. If asbestos removal is not done properly, risk of exposure can be increased. Undamaged materials are unlikely to release dangerous asbestos fibers, and should be left alone. In the case of materials which are slightly damaged, it may be best to simply avoid that area. If asbestos-containing materials are in poor condition, they should be dealt with only by qualified professionals. Even minor damage should be assessed and repaired by accredited inspectors and contractors. Materials with asbestos should not be dusted, swept, sanded, scraped, or otherwise disturbed. Home remodeling or major repair may require asbestos removal.

It is illegal to dispose of asbestos products in domestic waste bins. Asbestos waste must be kept wetted down and sealed in leak-tight containers and labeled before transport to a landfill. Materials containing more than 1 percent asbestos cannot be crushed or incinerated. Not all landfill sites can legally accept asbestos waste, so the landfill operator should be contacted prior to removal. Transportation of asbestos waste must be documented with a waste shipment record (WSR). The WSR must be signed by the people disposing of, transporting, and receiving the waste. In some states, notice must be sent to a government agency before removal. Regulation of asbestos waste removal, transport, and disposal differs from state to state, so local authorities should be consulted.

Asbestos may be present in vermiculite insulation. Most of the U.S. vermiculite came from a mine in Libby, Montana, which was contaminated by asbestos. This vermiculite was often sold under the brand name Zonolite. Asbestos is most likely in houses that were insulated between the late 1920s and late 1980s. Not all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homeowners with vermiculite act under the assumption that it is contaminated with asbestos, and take the necessary precautions.

Asbestos is still used in a variety of materials and products worldwide. In the United States, particular uses of asbestos are outlawed under regulations issued by a number of agencies. Through the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned spray-applied asbestos surface insulation in 1973, and then plumbing and component insulation in 1975. In 1978 any spray-applied asbestos not covered by these measures was also banned. A 1989 EPA ban against most uses of asbestos was overturned in 1991, resulting in numerous legal uses of asbestos today. Asbestos is banned (with limited exceptions) in over 50 countries. The EU banned all new use of asbestos in 2005, adding to existing bans on most other uses.

Asbestos was used to insulate homes as late as 1990, and some construction materials and appliance components are still manufactured with asbestos today. In the U.S., asbestos is still legal in vinyl flooring, roof shingles and coatings, and other materials. Asbestos insulation for water heaters and other plumbing parts was not outlawed until the 1980s. Pipes laid prior to 1972 may contain asbestos, as well as textured ceilings predating 1978. Vermiculite insulation, which was widely used from the 1920s to the late 1980s, is often contaminated with asbestos.

Asbestos was used to insulate and fireproof a variety of materials and appliances in the home. Some places where asbestos can be found, especially in older homes, are:

• vermiculite insulation
• furnace gaskets and insulation
• hot water heater insulation
• pipe wrap and insulation
• electrical panels
• siding
• roof tiles
• stucco and ceiling coating
• flooring felt, adhesives, and vinyl floor tiles
• stove pads and sheeting

Asbestos waste goes to designated landfills. Materials containing more than 1 percent asbestos are considered hazardous waste if they can be crumbled using hand pressure when dry. Asbestos waste is regulated as an airborne hazard under federal law. If a landfill compacts the waste, they must cover any asbestos with six inches of non-waste material before compacting. Asbestos waste must be kept wetted and bagged in at least 6mm of plastic. Asbestos fibers can be safely degraded using thermal and chemical processes, and even recycled into stoneware and ceramic materials.

There are six types of asbestos, all of which are carcinogens. Crocidolite, also known as blue asbestos, is the most hazardous. Blue asbestos is harder and more brittle than other kinds, making it more likely to release dangerous airborne fibers. However, Crocidolite makes up a small percentage of asbestos used in the United States. Chrysotile asbestos was the most commonly used, and thus accounts for most cases of asbestos-related health problems.

Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the primary form of asbestos mined in Canada. Chrysotile is the most common form of asbestos, and the only type that is mined on a large scale.

Asbestos, once airborne, causes a number of serious health problems. Asbestos is cited by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a known carcinogen, which means it is a risk factor for cancer, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. When breathed in, asbestos fibers irritate and scar the lungs, leading to asbestosis. Asbestosis is a progressive disease which makes breathing difficult. Other associated lung conditions, like pleural plaques and thickening are less serious, but may still impair the lungs. Smoking has been shown to increase the health risks of asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can also irritate the skin, causing benign growths.

Asbestos has a number of attractive properties for construction and manufacturing. It is plentiful and occurs naturally. It is fireproof, resistant to heat and many chemicals, does not conduct electricity, and is lightweight and strong. Asbestos use dates back to ancient Egypt and has been used in products for thousands of years, but it became widespread during the industrial era, when it was used to fireproof, insulate, and strengthen materials. Asbestos can be used in a wide variety of products, including cement, plastics, paper, fabric, coatings, and adhesives.

Asbestos is banned in many countries throughout the world, though not in the United States. Asbestos bans were passed because of evidence that asbestos causes a number of health problems, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Modern medical professionals documented asbestos-related health problems as early as the turn of the 20th century.

The exact process by which asbestos causes cancer is unknown. Scientists believe the asbestos fibers cause the cellular mutations through physical rather than chemical processes. When inhaled, asbestos fibers irritate and scar the lungs. The body responds by surrounding the foreign fibers in protective cells. However, the asbestos fibers can cause mutations in these protective cells, causing them to grow out of control. Though the link between asbestos and cancer is still being researched, the World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and many other major organizations classify asbestos as a human carcinogen.

Asbestos was popular for its following properties:

• Fireproof
• Resistance to heat
• Resistance to many chemicals
• Does not conduct electricity
• Lightweight
• Strong

Asbestos could be anywhere in a home that needed to be insulated or fireproofed. Common places to find asbestos, especially in older homes, include:

• electrical panels
• flooring felt, adhesives, and vinyl floor tiles
• furnace gaskets and insulation
• hot water heater insulation
• pipe wrap and insulation
• roof tiles
• siding
• stove pads and sheeting
• stucco and ceiling coating
• vermiculite insulation

To avoid taxation, settlements must satisfy two requirements: physical injury and wrongful action. Taxes on settlements are complicated, and depend on the specific damages involved in the suit. For example, mesothelioma qualifies as physical injury, so money awarded for the illness will not be taxed. However, money awarded for emotional injury as a result of the illness will only be tax-free if it is spent to directly address the emotional injury. Other common components of mesothelioma settlements are always taxed, including punitive damages and lost wages.

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the location and particular form of the disease. Symptoms may include:

• Chest, side, back, or abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Hoarseness or trouble swallowing
• Lumps of tissue in the chest
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Swelling of the abdomen or face and arms
• Unexplained weight loss

Unlike many other cancers, mesothelioma is not hereditary. However, ongoing research is investigating genetic predispositions to the disease. Certain genes, which are hereditary, have been found to increase the likelihood that asbestos exposure will lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma sometimes appears hereditary because multiple family members will be contract the disease after being exposed to asbestos, or even exposed secondhand, as in the case of a child with a parent who is exposed as work.

Mesothelioma remission is rare, but has been documented in cases with advanced treatment. Recent average 5-year survival rates for mesothelioma are less than 10 percent, which is lower than most cancers. The effectiveness of treatment depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer and the patient’s age and gender. Researchers studying cases of remission hope to learn more about what factors lead to successful treatment.

Mesothelioma is not caused by smoking, however smoking significantly increases the risk of mesothelioma. Studies have shown that cigarette smokers are at least 50 percent more likely to develop mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos.