Beware of these asbestos-containing products

Exposure to asbestos can be deadly. The fibers, when breathed in, can do irreparable damage to a person’s lungs and other organs. Sadly, the symptoms of the illnesses that are caused by asbestos exposure can take decades to start showing up. By the time a person is diagnosed, it may seem impossible to trace back to what the source of the exposure might be.

One strong possibility is that a person was exposed to asbestos by using or regularly working with products that contained asbestos. People might be surprised with the number of products that contain asbestos.

According to a state Department of Health, there are a wide range of products that often were made with asbestos. In fact, it identifies 3,000 different products that contain asbestos. Understanding what these products are can help people with concerns about exposure confirm that they might be at risk for developing an asbestos-related illness.

Some of the products that contain asbestos include:

• Automotive brake pads and linings
• Ceiling tiles
• Shingles
• Chalkboards
• Electrical products
• Fire blankets, curtains and doors
• Boiler, duct work and furnace insulation
• Floor tiles
• Paint
• Spackling compounds, caulking and putties

This is just a small sampling of the many products that may contain asbestos. Sadly, the use of asbestos in products was very common, even after the dangers of exposure were well-known. This means that even if asbestos is no longer used in some products, it may have been used for years before manufacturers made changes.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos because of these products, it may be possible to take legal action against the companies that made, sold or distributed products without warning consumers about the asbestos or the dangers of exposure. Filing a product liability claim can help victims and their families recover compensation for damages suffered as a result of using a dangerous product.