Asbestos was once widely used in various products, including electrical wiring, due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, its use has been significantly reduced due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, which can lead to severe diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
If you’re experiencing health issues that may be linked to your exposure to asbestos-containing electrical wiring, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, today. We offer a free no obligations consultation where we can discuss your options and see if you might have a case moving forward.
Electrical Wiring and Asbestos
Asbestos was primarily used for insulation. Electrical wires and cables need insulation to prevent electrical accidents and maintain the integrity of the electrical systems. Asbestos was an ideal material for this purpose because it is resistant to heat and does not conduct electricity.
In the production of electrical wiring, asbestos fibers were often mixed with other materials to create insulation that could withstand high temperatures and prevent electrical fires. This insulation was crucial in various applications, from household wiring to high-power industrial settings.
Asbestos electrical wiring was used in the following ways:
- Boilers
- Elevators
- Engines
- Furnaces
- HVAC units
- Power Systems
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Electrical Wiring
Historically, numerous manufacturers incorporated asbestos into electrical wiring and related products due to its durability, non-conductivity, and resistance to heat and fire. This practice was prevalent until the late 20th century, when the health risks associated with asbestos became widely recognized.
Some companies that used to manufacture electrical wiring containing asbestos include:
- Anaconda Wire and Cable Company: Produced wire insulated with rubber and plastic, as well as weatherproof wire, commonly used by electric and power companies.
- Burnham Holdings: This company manufactured a range of products, including HVAC products and electrical accessories.
- General Electric: As a manufacturer of electronics, light bulbs, glass-insulated wiring, and power-generating equipment.
- Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc.: Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc. supplied electrical components for homes and buildings across New York, including outlets, wiring, switches, outlets, and light sockets.
- Westinghouse Electric: Produced several electrical components, including welding rods, paper, panels, cables, and wire.
Manufacturers of asbestos-containing electrical wiring have often been at the center of legal cases, where workers or consumers exposed to asbestos filed lawsuits for health damages. These cases highlighted the health risks associated with asbestos exposure and the responsibility of manufacturers to provide safe products.
Current manufacturers have a responsibility to be aware of the history of asbestos use in their industry and to ensure that their products are safe for consumers and workers. This includes rigorous testing and adherence to safety standards to prevent any health hazards associated with their products.
Asbestos Exposure from Electrical Wiring
When asbestos-containing materials age or are damaged, they can release fibers into the air. If these fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and remain there for a long time, eventually causing health problems.
Key health risks include:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Scar tissue forms in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent cough, and, in severe cases, heart failure.
- 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 take decades to develop after exposure.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers. The symptoms might not appear until many years after the exposure.
- Other Cancers: Asbestos exposure might also increase the risk of other types of cancers, such as ovarian cancer or laryngeal cancer.
- Pleural Plaques and Thickening: Asbestos can cause thickening of the lung lining or the development of plaques. These conditions may not cause symptoms but are indicators of significant asbestos exposure.
Due to these health risks, using asbestos in new electrical wiring products has been largely discontinued in many countries. However, older buildings and electrical systems may still contain asbestos-insulated wiring. During renovation or demolition projects, it’s important to identify and safely handle or remove asbestos-containing materials according to local regulations and guidelines to prevent exposure.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos-Containing Electrical Wiring
Asbestos-containing electrical wiring poses significant health risks to certain occupational groups. Workers in these occupations might have been or still can be, exposed to asbestos, particularly in older buildings or in industries where asbestos use was more prevalent.
Here are some of the key occupations affected:
- Carpenters
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Electricians
- Laborers
- Supervisors
- Wiring manufacturers
For all these professions, it’s crucial to have proper training and equipment to handle or avoid asbestos exposure. This includes using protective gear, following safety protocols, and potentially undergoing specialized training in asbestos awareness and handling. Regulations often require an asbestos survey before any work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials, ensuring the safety of workers and occupants.
Electrical Wiring Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
Realizing you’ve been exposed to asbestos, particularly in a context such as electrical wiring, can be concerning due to the known health risks associated with asbestos fibers.
The first and most crucial step is to consult a healthcare professional. Inform them about the exposure, including the duration and circumstances. Even if you don’t have immediate symptoms, it’s important to get medical advice, as asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop.
If you were exposed due to someone else’s negligence, consulting with a legal professional who specializes in asbestos-related cases can provide guidance on your rights and any potential for compensation.
Once you have received medical treatment, it’s time to contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, to explore your legal rights and choices. There’s a possibility of filing a claim to recover compensation for your injuries. Our team is here to link you with essential resources and guide you toward the most beneficial outcome in your mesothelioma injury case. Remember, we provide a free initial consultation, so please contact us for assistance immediately.
