Concerned that exposure to asbestos in fire doors could lead to asbestos-related diseases such as
mesothelioma? Learn more below.
Asbestos was the perfect material for insulation. Inexpensive, abundant, flame retardant and effective for thermal and acoustical insulation, asbestos found its way into countless safety products for much of the last century until it was definitively linked to a wide range of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma.
Because it is impervious to flame, asbestos was the obvious choice for fire doors. Fire doors are passive fire protection components designed to isolate a fire in one section of a building, allowing the occupants time to exit the building safely. They are used in schools, buildings and ships. Fire safety doors made before 1980 generally had an asbestos core covered with either wood laminate or metal. Because it’s disguised, the asbestos in fire safety doors is often overlooked during asbestos inventories. The asbestos can become apparent only when the door is removed or damaged, or the hardware removed for replacement.
Generally, asbestos in fire doors is dangerous only when disturbed or removed. Once the interior asbestos core becomes demolished or otherwise damaged, the asbestos fibers can easily become airborne. Inhaling asbestos can lead to numerous asbestos related diseases, including
asbestosis, pleural plaques, and even mesothelioma cancer.
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.