Common Products That May Contain Asbestos
New Jersey Mesothelioma Attorney Explains Asbestos Product Liability Law
People commonly equate asbestos with building materials such as ceiling tiles or plumbing wraps. Certainly, building materials are a large part of the history of asbestos litigation. However, asbestos fibers were also once used in a great number of household products. As a result, you may be at risk for mesothelioma even if you never worked in an asbestos-related industry.
Determining the time and place of your asbestos exposure is often the most difficult aspect of any mesothelioma case. However, the attorneys at Keefe Law Firm have the experience and resources necessary to investigate and get answers about these claims. We have represented thousands of clients throughout New Jersey as well as nationwide in asbestos lawsuits. If you believe your mesothelioma diagnosis is the result of asbestos exposure from a contaminated product, contact a mesothelioma lawyer from our firm today.
What Products Commonly Contain Asbestos?
In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule. While this product safety rule was contested and did not make asbestos illegal, it did effectively ban future production of many new items containing asbestos. However, while some already-existing items containing asbestos have been subject to product recalls, most were not. As a result, many people across the country may continue to suffer the effects of asbestos exposure.
There are several different types of common products that may contain asbestos, including:
- Common household products: Asbestos is known for being heat and fire resistant, so it has been used in the manufacture of most common household products that conduct heat such as coffee pots, toasters, irons and hair dryers. Even oven mitts, ironing boards, clothing and blankets were once manufactured using asbestos.
- Common household materials: Houses and buildings constructed before 1990 may pose a health risk due to asbestos. This toxic substance was once used to produce insulation, construction adhesives and duct connectors. If any of these building materials sustains damage, possibly during replacement, those nearby are at risk for asbestos exposure. Additionally, as these compounds break down with age, harmful asbestos particles may contaminate the air.
- Vermiculite garden products: Many garden products contain the ore vermiculite, which is not dangerous by itself, because of the properties of aeration and drainage. Unfortunately, this ore might contain elements of asbestos. Common products that use vermiculite are fertilizer, composts, potting soil and pesticide.
Product Liability Law and Asbestos Exposure Cases
Under state and federal laws, companies that manufacture consumer goods have a responsibility to ensure that those items are safe for use. This includes performing product safety checks in order to eliminate design and manufacturing defects. Companies must also ensure that the materials used in the production of their goods are nontoxic and safe for the item’s intended use. If a product causes an illness such as mesothelioma, the manufacturing company may be liable for the damages under product liability law.
Therefore, if you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis as a result of asbestos exposure from a defective household item, you may be able to collect compensation in a product liability lawsuit. This is true even if the company legally manufactured a product containing asbestos.
However, mesothelioma can take decades to develop. As a result, you may not know which product caused your illness, and may not even own the item anymore. Nevertheless, a mesothelioma attorney can assist you in finding the most likely cause of your condition. If a defective product is to blame, we can help you file a claim against the manufacturer.
Legal Questions About Asbestos Products? Contact Our NJ Mesothelioma Attorney Today
If you or a loved one is suffering after a mesothelioma diagnosis, take action now to protect your legal rights. Contact a New Jersey mesothelioma attorney from Keefe Law Firm immediately. While you focus on your health, we can investigate your case and determine where and when your asbestos exposure occurred.
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the needs of our clients. We have New Jersey law office locations in Red Bank, New Brunswick, Newark, and Point Pleasant, and accept cases nationwide. All consultations are completely free of charge, and we are happy to meet at your home or any other location convenient to you.
