Asbestos was commonly used in various building materials, including roof felt, due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. Roof felt, or roofing tar paper, is a material used to construct roofs to provide a waterproof barrier.
Nowadays, we know that asbestos can cause numerous health problems. If you’ve ever been in contact with asbestos-containing roof felt and are now unwell, contact the experienced team of asbestos lawyers at Bailey & Glasser, LLP, today.
Roof Felt and Asbestos
When asbestos was used in roof felt, it was typically combined with bitumen, a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid. This combination provided enhanced protection against heat and moisture, making it an ideal choice for roofing purposes. However, the use of asbestos in these products has been largely discontinued due to health concerns.
Asphalt shingles were often used with asbestos felt. In this, asbestos was used in the felt or base mat of the shingle. The base mat, made from a mixture of asbestos fibers and other materials, was then coated with asphalt to make it waterproof and finally covered with mineral granules. The asbestos in the felt provided added strength, durability, and fire resistance to the shingles.
Asbestos roof felt was used in the following ways:
- Barns
- Commercial properties
- Military barracks
- Military buildings
- Residential properties
- Schools
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Roof Felt
Manufacturers of asbestos-containing roof felt were part of a larger industry that extensively utilized asbestos in various building materials due to its desirable properties. These manufacturers produced roofing materials, including roof felt, that incorporated asbestos for enhanced durability, fire resistance, and insulation.
Historically, these manufacturers played a crucial role in the construction and roofing industry. Asbestos-containing roof felt was widely used in both residential and commercial buildings because it provided an effective, waterproof barrier that was also resistant to heat and fire. This made it especially useful in roofing applications where exposure to the elements and the need for durability were significant concerns.
Some of these companies included:
- Bird Corporation: Known for producing asphalt roofing materials, they also created and distributed asbestos roof felt.
- Celotex Corporation: This company provided roofing products for commercial and residential properties, including cement, felt, insulation, and siding.
- GAF Corporation: This company manufactured tiling, piping, insulation, painting, flooring, and roofing products.
- Johns Manville: Established in 1901, Johns Manville produced various construction materials, including roofing supplies such as Blue Chip Roofing Felt.
- National Gypsum: Produced construction materials such as shingles, siding, cement, and an asbestos-felt product called FlexFelt.
- Quigley Company: Quigley Company was a small refractory business with a range of asbestos products, including Fiberock Felt.
- The Flintkote Company: The Flintkote Company produced construction and roofing supplies, including felt, cement boards, shingles, and siding.
Asbestos Exposure from Roof Felt
Exposure to asbestos fibers from roof felt can lead to several serious health conditions. These conditions often take years, or even decades, to develop after the initial exposure.
The primary health risks associated with asbestos exposure from roof felt include:
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue, making breathing progressively more difficult. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, chest tightness or pain, and, in advanced stages, finger clubbing.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The risk is even higher in individuals who smoke. Symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and shortness of breath.
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) but can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is strongly linked to asbestos exposure and can take 20-50 years to develop after exposure. Symptoms include chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest, and unexplained weight loss.
- Pleural Thickening: Long-term asbestos exposure can cause the pleura (the lining of the lung) to thicken and swell. Over time, this can lead to a decrease in lung function.
- Pleural Plaques: These are areas of fibrous thickening on the pleura. They are generally not harmful but are a marker of significant asbestos exposure.
Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop these health issues. The risk is influenced by factors such as the intensity and duration of exposure, the size and type of asbestos fibers, and individual susceptibility, including smoking history.
Due to the latency period between exposure and the onset of symptoms, many cases of asbestos-related diseases are diagnosed years after the initial exposure. This delayed onset is one reason why asbestos-related diseases continue to be a concern, even in countries that have banned or heavily regulated the use of asbestos.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos-Containing Roof Felt
The use of asbestos-containing roof felt in construction and building maintenance significantly impacted various occupations, exposing numerous workers to the health risks associated with asbestos. The nature of their work often required handling, cutting, and installing roofing materials, activities that could disturb asbestos fibers and release them into the air.
Occupations particularly affected by asbestos-containing roof felt include:
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Factory workers
- Industrial workers
- Renovation workers
- Roofers
The health risks for these occupations primarily revolve around inhalation of asbestos fibers, which can lead to serious diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. However, it’s important to note that the risk of these diseases increases with the amount and duration of exposure.
Since recognizing these health risks, regulations, and safety standards have been implemented to protect workers. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE), specialized training for handling asbestos, and stringent workplace safety protocols. In many regions, there are also strict guidelines and legal requirements for removing and disposing of asbestos-containing materials. Despite these measures, the legacy of past exposure still affects many former and current workers in these industries.
Roof Felt Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, we understand the significant toll a mesothelioma diagnosis takes on individuals and their families. Our team of lawyers is committed to providing crucial support, information, and legal advice, guiding you in these difficult times to secure the financial compensation you rightfully deserve.
