The manufacturing of asbestos-containing flooring products was a widespread practice in the past, largely due to the desirable properties of asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was valued for its durability, resistance to heat and chemicals, and insulating properties. These qualities made it an ideal additive in various building materials, including flooring products.
If you are experiencing health problems due to exposure to asbestos in flooring materials, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’re here to discuss your options and assist you.
Flooring and Asbestos
Manufacturers produced various asbestos-containing flooring products, such as vinyl asbestos tiles (VAT), asphalt asbestos tiles, and sheet flooring. These products were marketed for their durability and fire-resistant qualities.
- Vinyl Asbestos Tile (VAT): This was a popular choice for flooring in the mid-20th century. These tiles combined vinyl with asbestos fibers to create a durable and fire-resistant product. They were used in both commercial and residential buildings.
- Asphalt Asbestos Tile: Similar to VAT, these tiles used asphalt instead of vinyl. They were known for their durability and were often used in high-traffic areas.
- Sheet Flooring: Asbestos was also used in sheet flooring, often as a backing material. This kind of flooring could be found in a variety of patterns and was easy to install and maintain.
- Mastics and Adhesives: The adhesives used to install floor tiles or sheet flooring often contained asbestos. These mastics were prized for their strength and fire-resistant properties.
Asbestos flooring was used in the following ways:
- Business properties
- Factories
- Government buildings
- Hospitals
- Libraries
- Residential properties
- Schools
If you suspect that your flooring may contain asbestos, it’s important not to disturb it and to consult with a professional for testing and removal if necessary. In many places, there are strict guidelines and regulations governing the handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Flooring
During the mid-20th century, the use of asbestos in building materials, including flooring, surged. This was part of the broader industrial trend where asbestos was integrated into numerous products for its aforementioned properties.
The industry included a range of companies, from large multinational corporations to smaller, specialized manufacturers. Many of these companies are household names and were not exclusively focused on asbestos products but had a diverse portfolio.
Some of these manufacturers included companies such as:
- American Biltrite: This company produced vinyl floor tiles, vinyl sheet flooring, and asphalt tiles that contained asbestos.
- American Olean Tile Company: The American Olean Tile Company was founded in 1912, and they produced floor tiles, adhesives, and flooring backing.
- Armstrong World Industries: Armstrong World Industries started as a small cork bottle stopper manufacturer. They expanded and added flooring, ceiling, and insulation products to their product lines.
- Congoleum Corporation: A Scottish company with locations in the United States, they created sheet flooring, tiles, and backing products.
- GAF Corporation: Produced a wide variety of products, including roofing supplies, ductwork, flooring, shingles, and siding.
- Kentile Floors: A floor tile company, Kentile Floors specialized in asphalt, cork, and vinyl floor tiles.
- The Flintkote Company: Primarily a manufacturer of roofing products, The Flintkote Company also created insulation, cement, and flooring tiles.
Many manufacturers of asbestos-containing products faced extensive litigation. This was due to the health impacts on consumers and workers, leading to significant legal settlements and, in some cases, bankruptcy.
Asbestos Exposure from Flooring
The primary health concern with asbestos in flooring is when it becomes friable, meaning it can easily crumble and release fibers into the air. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, proper precautions and regulations are crucial when dealing with asbestos-containing flooring, especially during renovations or demolitions.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Over time, these fibers can cause scarring (fibrosis) in the lung tissue, leading to progressive lung damage. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, chest tightness or pain, loss of appetite with weight loss, and a crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling. The condition is often progressive and can lead to severe impairment of lung function, and it increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: A rare form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). It is closely linked to asbestos exposure. Symptoms include chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal swelling and pain. Mesothelioma typically takes many years (sometimes decades) to develop after exposure.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers. Symptoms include persistent cough, change in cough pattern, blood in sputum, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, and weight loss. The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure dramatically increases the risk compared to either factor alone.
- Pleural Effusions, Plaques, and Thickening: Pleural effusion is a fluid accumulation between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and the chest cavity. Pleural plaques are calcified build-ups that are often symptomless but indicate asbestos exposure. Pleural thickening is the scarring and thickening of the pleural lining of the lungs, which can restrict lung expansion, leading to breathlessness.
- Laryngeal and Ovarian Cancer: Asbestos exposure has also been associated with an increased risk of laryngeal and ovarian cancer, though these are less common.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos Containing Flooring
The widespread use of asbestos-containing flooring in the past has had a significant impact on various occupations, exposing many workers to health risks associated with asbestos. Asbestos, due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties, was a popular component in flooring materials until its dangers became widely recognized.
- Appliance installers and engineers
- Building maintenance workers
- Carpenters
- Construction workers
- Demolition crews
- Electricians
- Flooring installers
- HVAC workers
- Factory workers
- Maintenance workers
- Teachers
Flooring Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos in flooring, prioritizing your health and seeking appropriate medical attention is essential. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a healthcare professional experienced in occupational or environmental health. Early consultation is important, even if you don’t have symptoms, as asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop.
Following your medical care, it’s important to speak with Bailey & Glasser, LLP, about your legal entitlements and potential courses of action. You may be in a position to file a claim and receive compensation for your injuries. Our team is dedicated to connecting you with key resources and helping you achieve the best outcome in your mesothelioma injury lawsuit. We offer a no-charge initial consultation, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.
