Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Asbestos

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous metamorphic mineral group used for a variety of industrial and commercial purposes.  Asbestos’ resistance to heat or fire and its tensile strength made it an excellent insulator.  Asbestos was also used in a variety of household products ranging from talcum powder and toasters to stucco and irons.

What is amphibole asbestos?

Amphibole asbestos is a subgroup of asbestos that can be distinguished by its straight, needle-like fiber-formation. Five of the six types of asbestos are amphiboles (tremolite, actinolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite and amosite). Chrysotile is the only type of asbestos that does not fall into the category of amphibole asbestos. Chrysotile has a curled fiber-formation, making it a type of serpentine asbestos.

What were the circumstances surrounding the regulation of asbestos?

Asbestos was one of the first airborne contaminants to be regulated under section 112 of the Clean Air Act in 1970. Although the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure were known long before regulation, heightened media attention and greater public awareness of the hazards led to the mineral’s inclusion in the Clean Air Act.

What are the health hazards associated with asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the cause of a variety of diseases, the most common of which include:

• Malignant mesothelioma
• Asbestosis
• Asbestos lung cancer
• Diffuse pleural thickening

Who is liable for asbestos-related diseases?

Asbestos product manufacturers are liable for asbestos-related diseases because of their conscious decision to ignore known asbestos health hazards for the sake of business success. Correlations between asbestos exposure and health hazards were known as early as 1898 when the Chief Inspector of Factories for the United Kingdom reported to Parliament about the harmful effects that asbestos particles had on employee health.

Asbestos attorneys are able to trace an asbestos disease back to the source of exposure and with it, the liable party.

What is an asbestos attorney?

An asbestos attorney specializes in litigation revolving around asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos attorneys will typically file a claim for their client before the lawsuit’s statutory deadline passes.

What is the difference between an asbestos attorney and a mesothelioma attorney?

Asbestos attorney and mesothelioma attorney are often used interchangeably and are not too different. A mesothelioma attorney is a type of asbestos attorney. Mesothelioma attorneys focus on malignant mesothelioma lawsuits as opposed to asbestos attorneys who litigate all asbestos claims.

What can I do about abestos in my home?

Read our lengthy discussion of what to do if you suspect or know you have asbestos in your home.

Paul & Hanley LLP has an outstanding track record of success, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or any asbestos related disease from asbestos exposure we can help you file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. We also handle car injury cases, wrongful death cases, product defect cases, premises liability cases, and work related injury cases. Our experienced legal team is here to help you get just financial compensation for your injuries.



    * More than 25 years of experience in Mesothelioma and Asbestos litigation.

    * More than 1 billion dollars in settlements.

    * Over 500 of our clients have recovered in excess of 1 million dollars.



Call us today at 800.281.9804 for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer.