Asbestos

Five Jobs at Risk of Nontraditional Asbestos Exposure

June 26, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos exposure is often associated with people who used to work in the blue-collar industry, such as the construction, manufacturing, and mining industries. Indeed, before the dangers of asbestos became widely known and its use became heavily regulated, many people in these industries were exposed to this hazardous substance. However, many more people suffered asbestos exposure through nontraditional exposure. Many workers who never directly handled asbestos-contaminated materials or products have developed mesothelioma and other illnesses as a result of nontraditional asbestos exposure.

While regulations have curbed most uses of asbestos, this dangerous substance remains in older buildings, materials, and equipment, posing hidden risks to workers in unexpected jobs. Understanding the jobs at risk of nontraditional asbestos exposure can help prevent future exposure and promote early detection of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Below, we share five jobs at risk of nontraditional asbestos exposure.

Teachers and School Staff

Contractors Raise Mesothelioma Concerns After Allegedly Concealing Asbestos in California

June 15, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the workers in this case will be referred to as T.C. and T.S.

In a recent troubling California case, two heavy equipment operators filed a lawsuit against their former employer, Reyes Construction, after claiming they were fired for sounding the alarm about improper asbestos handling. The two, T.C. and T.S., who were working on a public restoration project in Long Beach, California, said they discovered asbestos-containing debris at the site. They alerted their supervisor, who ignored them at first, but they were later instructed to hide and bury it. However, the two workers refused to hide the toxic material, as they believed doing so would not only endanger them and other workers, but the general public as well.

T.C. and T.S. were assigned to excavation duties as part of a larger initiative to connect the Colorado Lagoon with Alamitos Bay, a project aimed at environmental restoration. However, the two dug up asbestos-contaminated transite pipes during their work. Unlike long ago, when workers did not know about the dangers of asbestos, today workers are well informed about the risks of asbestos exposure. Most, if not all, workers know that inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma and other serious illnesses. That is why T.C. and T.S. reported their findings to their bosses after discovering the toxic material. Their supervisor initially told them to ignore the hazardous material, and then later told them to hide and bury the pipes without informing local officials or experts.

How Long Does it Take to Develop an Asbestos-Related Illness?

April 18, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once widely used across the United States in several industries, including construction, manufacturing, and automotive, mainly because of its heat-resistant properties. After its effects became widely known, asbestos use became heavily regulated. Asbestos can cause serious health issues. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Often, these diseases don’t develop until many years after asbestos exposure. Understanding how long it can take asbestos-related illnesses to develop is important for those who may have been exposed to this dangerous mineral at work, at home, or in the environment.

How Do Asbestos-Related Diseases Develop?

Generally, asbestos is not harmful when left undisturbed. However, when disturbed or damaged, its fibers can become airborne and inhaled (most common) or ingested (less common). These tiny fibers can become lodged in the lungs, pleura (the lining surrounding the lungs), or other tissues. Over time, these fibers can cause scarring, inflammation, and cellular damage, leading to serious illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos-related illnesses pose a significant health risk.

Montana Passes Bill That Risks Mesothelioma Victims’ Payouts

April 7, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

Montana’s House of Representatives recently passed three bills aimed at reducing corporate responsibility in asbestos-related lawsuits, making it significantly harder for individuals affected by asbestos exposure to pursue justice and compensation. While proponents of the bills claim that this will help prevent excessive lawsuits against businesses, critics contend that this move protects BNSF Railway from accountability at the expense of victims. This has sparked outrage in Libby, Montana, where mesothelioma victims and their families fear they will lose their right to seek justice. If these bills become law, BNSF Railway, a company previously found responsible for asbestos-related illnesses and deaths, could be shielded from further lawsuits, stripping victims of the compensation they deserve.

Libby has experienced one of the most severe environmental and public health crises in the United States. The crisis stemmed from the W.R. Grace & Co. vermiculite mine, which contaminated the town with asbestos fibers, leading to widespread illness and deaths. Thousands of Libby residents have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other fatal diseases due to prolonged asbestos exposure. The disaster was so severe that in 2009, the federal government declared a public health emergency in Libby.

Caving under the pressure of many asbestos lawsuits against it, W.R. Grace declared bankruptcy years ago. However, other companies, like BNSF Railway, have also been found responsible for transporting asbestos-contaminated materials and not protecting workers and residents. Victims and their families have sued these corporations and received compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Do Baby Powders Still Contain Talc?

March 28, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

Baby powder has been a household staple for decades, with many using it to keep their skin dry and prevent irritation. However, growing concerns among consumers, doctors, and experts over the link between talc-based products and serious health issues like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma have led to significant shifts in the industry. For instance, in response to the mounting lawsuits and scientific studies, some manufacturers like Johnson and Johnson have had to remove talc from their products. But does that mean all baby powders are now talc-free? Let’s explore what baby powders contain today.

What is Talc?

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral valued for its softness and ability to absorb moisture. It has been widely used in the cosmetic industry and industrial applications such as ceramics and paint. Until recently, talc was also the main ingredient in baby powder. The concerns about talc stemmed from how it’s mined. Talc deposits are usually found near another naturally occurring mineral called asbestos, a known carcinogen. If the talc isn’t carefully purified, it can be easily contaminated with asbestos.

How to Identify Asbestos in Your Home or Workplace

January 27, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos causes approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and is linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers. Despite its dangers, asbestos isn’t entirely banned in the U.S., making it vital to know how to identify and avoid it. The only catch is that you cannot see asbestos with your naked eye, and it’s odorless; that is why it is so easy to inhale. So, how can you identify it in your home or workplace? Here is a guide on what to look out for (and stay away from) to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a cluster of six natural fibrous materials, which, although highly toxic, is valued because of its robustness and heat and electricity resistance. Asbestos was mainly used throughout the 20^th century in construction and manufacturing. While asbestos was very appealing back then, its nearly invisible fibers can be easily inhaled, posing serious health risks, including causing mesothelioma. Damaged asbestos materials may look like tiny, fuzzy fibers resembling frayed fabric. However, the presence of visible fibers does not necessarily indicate asbestos. Testing is the only way to confirm if asbestos is present.

Contractor’s Negligence in Harlem Construction Puts Workers and Residents at Risk of Mesothelioma

January 6, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

In a troubling case that sheds light on the consequences of negligence, a New Jersey contractor pleaded guilty to endangering the lives of workers and residents by releasing asbestos in an East Harlem, New York neighborhood. The contractor, Jose Correa, released the dangerous substance during a construction project in the neighborhood. Correa risks being imprisoned for up to one year. How long he goes to jail is up to the judge presiding over the case in New York.

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was once widely used in several industries due to its attractive qualities. However, being exposed to asbestos carries significant health risks. Asbestos exposure can cause various illnesses, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases occur when a person inhales or ingests asbestos fibers, which get stuck in the body. Unfortunately, it can take many years for a person to develop an asbestos-related illness after initial exposure. Mesothelioma, for instance, can take 40 years or even more to develop after being exposed to asbestos. Despite the extensive knowledge about the risks of asbestos and the strict rules in place to prevent exposure, some individuals and companies still bypass the necessary precautions, resulting in significant harm.

Jose Correa failed to perform inspections and did not use asbestos abatement professionals during a construction project at an East Harlem supermarket. Instead of doing things right, the contractor opted to cut corners and do the work ‘on the cheap.’ Correa had his untrained employees perform this dangerous work that required specialized knowledge. He did not even provide workers with basic safety equipment, such as protective masks and suits. The contractor’s decision to neglect safety measures resulted in workers and close residents unknowingly being exposed to asbestos and being at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Todd Shipyard Worker Blames Multiple Companies for His Mesothelioma

December 10, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as J.S. or Mr. S.

This case is about a construction worker, J.S., who worked at the Todd Shipyards for years and was later diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that is primarily linked to asbestos exposure. In his lawsuit, J.S. names multiple companies as defendants. He blames these companies for having negligently exposed him to the asbestos that led to him developing his illness. His case has involved demands for records from him and requests for dismissal from the case from many companies.

According to Mr. S, his mesothelioma stems from exposure to asbestos-contaminated products used in ship construction and repair at Todd Shipyards between 1960 and 1964. While working at Todd Shipyards, the mesothelioma victim was exposed to equipment from Foster Wheeler, including marine boilers. He was also exposed to products like DAP joint compound, Kaiser Gypsum, and other materials made with Vanderbilt Talc.

Can Mesothelioma Be Prevented?

December 5, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the tissue layer that covers most internal organs, is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals. These minerals, which occur as masses of strong, flexible fibers, were widely used in the 20th century to insulate, strengthen, and fireproof many commercial items and products. Asbestos can be found in finished products such as walls, pipes, tiles, cement, insulation, roofing shingles, ceiling tiles, and many more. Because asbestos is the biggest risk factor for mesothelioma, reducing exposure to this substance is the most effective way of lowering the risk of mesothelioma development. This article explores how people can protect themselves from asbestos exposure and, thus, from developing mesothelioma.

Understanding How Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma

As mentioned already, the leading cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a hazardous mineral that used to be common in many industries, including construction, shipbuilding, insulation production, and automotive manufacturing. The use of asbestos has significantly declined over recent decades. When asbestos is left undisturbed, it is generally not dangerous. When this substance is disturbed or damaged, or when it deteriorates, tiny, microscopic fibers are released into the air, which can be inhaled or ingested. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in the mesothelium. Over time, this can result in inflammation or scarring, which can then lead to the development of mesothelioma.

What is the Criterion for a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

September 22, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can be devastating for patients and their families. Fortunately, mesothelioma victims and their families may be eligible to file mesothelioma lawsuits and pursue justice and compensation. If you or a loved one recently got a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be wondering whether you are eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. You may be asking, “What are the criteria for a mesothelioma lawsuit?” This article examines the criteria that must be met for a person to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A Mesothelioma Diagnosis

The most critical criterion for a mesothelioma lawsuit is a formal diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. To diagnose mesothelioma, a doctor may order imaging scans, such as X-rays and CT scans. Based on the findings, the doctor may order more tests to determine if mesothelioma is causing the symptoms. However, a biopsy is the only way to determine if a person has mesothelioma. This entails removing a small portion of tissue and examining it in a laboratory. Once mesothelioma is confirmed, the doctor may recommend additional tests to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.