Asbestos in Fire Dampers
Concerned that exposure to fire dampers made with asbestos could lead to asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer? Learn more below.
Asbestos has long been valued for its thermal and fireproofing properties, and was included in thousands of industrial, military and consumer products until it was phased out of widespread use in the late 1970s. One of the many applications for asbestos was in fire dampers. Fire dampers are a safety device used in buildings to constrain and compartmentalize any potential fires. Asbestos added much needed strength, durability and fire resistance to a crucial building safety product and was no doubt effective at providing a high level of fire protection. But that protection may have been outweighed by another, more hidden threat.
Although asbestos manufacturers knew for decades that exposure to their products was dangerous, they hid and in some cases, suppressed information that would have warned workers and the public about the dangers of asbestos exposure. As a result, asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis have killed or incapacitated countless thousands of individuals exposed to asbestos.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It generally attacks the lungs, stomach, and in rare cases, the heart. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary widely; the only way to know for sure if someone has mesothelioma is by a biopsy combined with a full work history. What investigators are looking for in work history is an exposure to asbestos. If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may want to consider calling an attorney to discuss your legal options. A qualified mesothelioma attorney can help you get the compensation that you and your family need and deserve.
Mesothelioma attorneys have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients win compensation for lost wages and medical costs.