Asbestos-containing adhesives were commonly used in construction and other industries throughout the 20th century, before the dangers of asbestos were fully understood.
Asbestos was prized for its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. It also added strength to adhesives, making them ideal for construction materials that needed to withstand heat, fire, or wear and tear.
Adhesives and Asbestos
Asbestos adhesives were used in the following ways:
- Boilers: Specialized adhesive cement for boilers contained asbestos
- Ceilings: Ceiling tiles were often attached using asbestos glue pods.
- Flooring: Asbestos adhesives were used to install various types of flooring, including vinyl tiles and wood floors.
- Pipes: Lagging for pipes would have often utilized asbestos glue.
- Roofs: Asbestos was included in adhesive cement and sealants used on roofs.
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Adhesives
A number of different companies made adhesives that contained asbestos, including:
- American Olean Tile Company: Created adhesives and tiles containing asbestos used in residential buildings, schools, and other public buildings.
- Armstrong World Industries: Originally a producer of cork bottler stoppers, Armstrong World Industries later manufactured asbestos-containing products such as S-89 Adhesive and S-90 Adhesive.
- Celotex Corporation: Celotex manufactured insulation and roofing products for commercial and residential buildings, including adhesives.
- Johns-Manville: Known as the largest manufacturer of asbestos products in the United States. Johns-Manville asbestos products included adhesives, automotive parts, insulation, fireproofing materials, and construction products.
- Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M): Better known as 3M, this company began manufacturing asbestos products in the 1930s. The products included 3M Caulk, 3M Cement, and 3M Adhesive.
- National Gypsum Company: The company started producing wallboards and expanded to create a range of construction products and Gold Bond Adhesive.
Asbestos Exposure from Adhesives
Asbestos exposure from adhesives primarily occurs when the materials containing asbestos are disturbed, causing microscopic asbestos fibers to become airborne. Once inhaled or ingested, these fibers can lodge in the body, leading to serious health conditions. Here’s what you should know about exposure risks related to asbestos-containing adhesives:
How Exposure Happens
Asbestos fibers in adhesives can be released into the air when the material is:
- Cut: Cutting or sanding floors or surfaces that were attached with asbestos-containing adhesives can release fibers.
- Disturbed during renovations: Breaking or scraping tiles, flooring, or roofing that used asbestos adhesives can release fibers.
- Degraded: Over time, adhesives can break down or deteriorate, especially in older buildings. This natural wear can cause the asbestos to become friable (easily crumbled), leading to fiber release.
- Demolition: During demolition of older buildings, asbestos-containing adhesives can be exposed and disturbed, leading to significant fiber release.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos fibers from adhesives, as with any asbestos-containing material, is associated with serious health risks. The effects often take years or even decades to manifest. Common conditions include:
- Asbestosis: A progressive lung disease caused by the scarring of lung tissue from asbestos fibers. It leads to shortness of breath and reduced lung function.
- Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen, or heart. This cancer is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.
- Lung Cancer: Inhalation of asbestos fibers increases the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly in smokers or those exposed to high concentrations of fibers.
- Other cancers: Asbestos exposure has also been linked to cancers of the larynx, ovary, and gastrointestinal tract.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos-Containing Adhesives
Occupations particularly affected include:
- Building maintenance workers
- Carpenters
- Cement masons
- Construction workers
- Contractors
- Demolition crews
- Drywall workers
- Insulation installers
- Pipefitters
- Plasterers
- Tile setters
Adhesives Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos from adhesives and developed a related illness, there are several compensation options available. These can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Here’s an overview of potential compensation routes:
Workers’ Compensation
People who were exposed to asbestos-containing adhesives in their workplace (construction workers, floor installers, roofers, etc.) may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation generally covers medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits if you’re unable to work due to an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma or asbestosis.
Filing a claim typically involves providing medical documentation linking your illness to asbestos exposure in the workplace. Laws vary by jurisdiction, so consulting with a lawyer specializing in asbestos exposure can help.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Many companies that manufactured or used asbestos products (including adhesives) have gone bankrupt due to the high volume of asbestos-related lawsuits. As part of their bankruptcy settlements, they set up asbestos trust funds to compensate victims.
Individuals exposed to asbestos from these companies’ products may be eligible to file claims through these trust funds. This applies to both workers and people exposed in non-workplace settings.
You’ll need to provide evidence of your asbestos exposure, such as employment records, medical diagnoses, and proof that the company’s product (e.g., asbestos-containing adhesives) was involved. Each trust has its own filing requirements.
These funds have billions of dollars set aside for compensation, though the amount you receive may depend on the trust’s payment percentage, the severity of your illness, and how many claims are pending.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors of asbestos-containing adhesives. This option is generally available to individuals who can prove negligence by the company in warning about or preventing asbestos exposure.
Through a lawsuit, you could recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Settlement amounts vary, but mesothelioma and asbestos-related cases often result in substantial awards.
Each state or country has its own statute of limitations for filing asbestos-related lawsuits, often starting from the date of diagnosis. It’s important to act quickly to avoid missing the deadline.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If a loved one has died from an asbestos-related illness, family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties. This can include manufacturers or employers who contributed to the asbestos exposure.
Damages may include funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of companionship, and loss of income.
Similar to personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits require proof of asbestos exposure, illness, and the responsible party’s liability.
Contact Bailey Glasser Today
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos in adhesive products, taking action as soon as possible is essential to protect your rights. Contact Bailey Glasser for a free consultation today. Call us at (866) 871-7971 or fill out our online form to discuss your situation and explore your options.
