Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, has long been used in building materials and other products for its insulating properties. Despite its many uses, asbestos is now known to have dangerous health risks, including mesothelioma and other cancers. The federal government currently regulates asbestos use but has not banned it through legislation. Nevertheless, few manufacturers still use the hazardous mineral despite the potential health risks and liability issues. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of public awareness with regard to asbestos, its once-widespread use, and its potential health-related dangers.

Consider the following asbestos statistics and facts:

  Asbestos has been deemed a known human carcinogen by state, federal, and international agencies.

  Asbestos causes health problems when inhaled or ingested . Prolonged asbestos exposure increases an individual's risks for developing an asbestos-related condition .

  Over the years, asbestos has been found in thousands of consumer products including: brake linings and pads, roofing products, electrical insulation, clothing, yarn, thread, felt, millboard, paper, gaskets, cement sheets, pipes, and many more.

  Asbestos is still found in many schools and civic buildings .

  There are six forms of asbestos , but only three are commonly used: chrystolite, amosite, and crocidolite.

  Asbestos has been used in the United States since the early 1900s, but its popularity peaked from World War II to the mid-1970s .

  Evidence emerged in the 1960s as to the potential health risks associated with asbestos, including mesothelioma , lung cancer , asbestosis , and more.

  The federal government began regulating asbestos use in the 1970s .

  Asbestos has not been mined in the United States since 2002, although it is still imported from other countries .

  In 2005, U.S asbestos consumption was 2,530 metric tons - a decline from previous years.

  Roofing products account for more than 50 percent of U.S. asbestos consumption.

To learn more about asbestos including various statistics and facts, check out the Environmental Protection Agency website. You can also find asbestos statistics on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website as well as your state government's webpage.

If you or a loved one has developed an asbestos-related condition, you may be entitled to seek compensation through an asbestos lawsuit . Please contact us to speak with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal rights.