Asbestos was commonly used in various building materials, including bricks, due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. In bricks, asbestos fibers were mixed into the material to enhance these characteristics. However, the use of asbestos in bricks and other building materials has been significantly reduced or banned in many countries due to its health risks.
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release fibers into the air, which can be harmful if inhaled. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs.
If any of these have impacted you after exposure to bricks containing asbestos, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP today. We can offer you a free consultation to discuss your legal options moving forward.
Bricks and Asbestos
In bricks, asbestos fibers were mixed into the clay or other materials to enhance the bricks’ resistance to fire and heat. This was particularly useful in applications like furnaces, fireplaces, and other settings where bricks would be exposed to extreme temperatures.
Asbestos bricks were used in the following ways:
- Balconies or verandahs
- Cavities in external and internal walls
- Chimneys and furnaces
- Columns
- Facades and fences
- Foundations
- Masonry walls
- Outbuildings, such as wall cladding
- Structural walls
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Bricks
Manufacturers of asbestos-containing bricks varied from large-scale industrial producers to smaller, specialized companies. These manufacturers often targeted markets that demanded robust and fire-resistant building materials. During the peak of asbestos use, these bricks were considered state-of-the-art for certain applications due to their enhanced performance characteristics compared to traditional brick materials.
Some historical manufacturers of bricks containing asbestos include:
- A.P. Green: Established in 1910, A.P. Green would manufacture bricks for factories and plants.
- Dresser Industries, Inc.: Dresser Industries, Inc. made asbestos-containing firebrick under two brands names Nucon Firebrick and Metalkase Firebrick.
- GAF/Ruberoid: This company produced construction and roofing materials, such as bricks, cement and insulation.
- General Refractories Company (Grefco): This company created Steelklad Dibond Firebrick, which contained asbestos.
- Harbison-Walker Refractories Company: Began as the Star Fire Brick Company in 1865, they started making fireclay bricks for large furnaces.
- Sherwin-Williams Paint Company: Produced a type of mortar that contained asbestos called Brick and Stucco Buff.
Asbestos Exposure from Bricks
When someone is exposed to asbestos fibers, such as those that may be found in asbestos-containing bricks, several health risks can arise, particularly if the exposure is prolonged or occurs frequently. Here’s an overview of what happens and the potential health consequences:
- Inhalation of Asbestos Fibers: The primary route of exposure to asbestos is through inhalation. When asbestos-containing bricks are cut, broken, or otherwise disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibers can be released into the air. These fibers are small enough to be inhaled deeply into the lungs.
- Fiber Lodgment in Lung Tissue: Once in the lungs, asbestos fibers can become lodged in lung tissue. The body has difficulty expelling these fibers, and over time, they can cause damage to lung tissue.
Development of Health Issues
Continuous or high levels of exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to several serious health problems, typically after a latency period that can span several decades.
The main health issues include:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease characterized by lung tissue scarring (fibrosis), leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent cough, and chest pain.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.
- Mesothelioma: A rare form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is strongly linked to asbestos exposure and can develop many years after the initial exposure.
Factors like the duration and intensity of exposure, the size and type of asbestos fibers, the source of exposure, and individual risk factors (such as smoking history and pre-existing lung disease) play significant roles in determining whether someone will suffer health consequences from asbestos exposure.
Additionally, asbestos-related health issues often have a long latency period, meaning there can be a significant delay between the initial exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms. This latency period varies depending on the specific condition and the level and duration of asbestos exposure, but generally, it spans several decades.
These long latency periods are one reason why asbestos-related diseases often go undiagnosed until they are in advanced stages. They also pose a challenge in connecting the disease to past asbestos exposure, as individuals may not recall the exposure or may not have been aware of it at the time.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos-Containing Bricks
The use of asbestos-containing bricks impacted a range of occupations, exposing workers to the health risks associated with asbestos. When these bricks were manufactured, installed, maintained, or demolished, asbestos fibers could become airborne, posing a significant risk to workers in various industries.
Occupations particularly affected include:
- Bricklayers
- Construction workers on building sites
- Demolition crews
- Industrial workers
- Masonry workers
- Plant workers
- Shipyard workers
- Steel mill workers
Not only are workers who directly handle asbestos-containing materials at risk, but also people who live with these workers can be exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on clothing, skin, or hair.
Bricks Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
Today, the use of asbestos in new products is highly regulated or banned in many places. However, asbestos-containing bricks may still be present in older buildings. If asbestos-containing materials like bricks are in good condition and undisturbed, they generally don’t pose a significant health risk. The risk arises when these materials are damaged, deteriorating, or disturbed during renovations or demolitions, potentially releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Regular medical check-ups and monitoring are important for people with a known history of significant asbestos exposure, even if they currently have no symptoms. Early detection of asbestos-related diseases can lead to more effective management and treatment options.
After seeking medical attention, you can reach out to Bailey & Glasser, LLP to explore your legal rights and potential actions. You might qualify for a claim and receive compensation for your injuries.
Our experts will provide essential resources and guide you towards the most favorable resolution in your mesothelioma injury case. For a complimentary initial consultation, feel free to contact us immediately.
