Asbestos lawsuits continue to be filed in courts across the United States – even though most plaintiffs' asbestos exposure occurred 20, 30 and even 40 years ago. Unfortunately, there are many people who were exposed to asbestos-containing products who develop asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer that don't really understand what asbestos is and what injuries continue to be reported.

Asbestos Lawsuits: What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral composed of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and other metal ions. Asbestos was used as insulator for many years because its fibers are strong, flexible and will not burn. The three most common varieties of asbestos fibers are chrysolite, amosite and crocidolite.

When asbestos fibers are mixed with other materials, it produces what is known as an asbestos containing material (ACM). ACM was used by the construction industry in sealants, cement pipe, wall insulation, pipe insulation and ceiling panels. It was also used by the U.S. Navy, automobile industry, railroad industry, shipping industry – and even NASA used it to insulate the Space Shuttle.