Asbestos in Vinyl

Asbestos can be found in vinyl sheet flooring or vinyl floor tiles, but it is also found in vinyl wallpaper. Asbestos was added to these products to strengthen them, make them resistant to scratching and scuffmarks, and to make them more resistant to humidity. Asbestos in vinyl seemed like a good idea decades ago, before the link between asbestos and cancers (including mesothelioma) was established.

In Homes, Schools, and Offices

Vinyl products have been used in hundreds of thousands of homes, libraries, schools, theaters, office buildings, and other workplaces throughout the United States. In the 1940s through the 1970s, asbestos in vinyl products was not uncommon. It was not until the late 1970s and the 1980s that the federal government finally started to heavily restrict the use of asbestos in vinyl products, especially for the construction of residences and schools. However, the existing asbestos in vinyl floor tiles and vinyl wallpaper was not the subject of a recall or any government action to protect consumers.

Asbestos Fibers in the Air

Vinyl floor tiles and vinyl wallpaper installed decades ago has aged and deteriorated, and many homeowners, school districts and building owners have seen the need to remove the asbestos-containing vinyl products. The removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) is a dangerous job that is best left to professionals, because when the asbestos is disturbed, the tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air, where they can be inhaled. The same is true when ACMs such as vinyl floor tiles and vinyl wallpaper are installed — the fibers may be inhaled by the person who is working with the ACM.

Mesothelioma Risk with Asbestos Vinyl Products

Asbestos fibers embed themselves in the lungs and/or other internal organs, where they can initiate asbestosis, lung cancer, or incurable mesothelioma, a devastating disease that has struck thousands of asbestos workers. Some workers who had repeated exposure to asbestos in vinyl products, such as the installers of asbestos-backed vinyl floor tiles, are at increased risk for developing mesothelioma. The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to manifest themselves.

Contact an Asbestos Law Firm for Help

The makers of asbestos and vinyl products such as vinyl wallpaper and vinyl floor tiles containing asbestos may be held liable for the damages wrought by their products. If your circumstances suggest an asbestos-caused disease, contact us today to learn more about recovering damages for your losses.