The Veterans Asbestos Alliance

Asbestos has a long history, with records of its use dating back thousands of years. However, it was not mined on a commercial scale until the late 19th century when its unique properties—such as resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals, as well as its strength—made it a popular material for manufacturing and construction. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers, when disturbed, become airborne and can be inhaled or ingested, leading to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

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While asbestos exposure is most commonly associated with occupational settings, it is important to understand that many asbestos-containing products were used in everyday life, often without people knowing the risks. These products were marketed as safe and effective, with widespread use in homes, schools, and public buildings. Individuals who handled or installed these products, as well as their families, were unknowingly exposed to asbestos fibers, significantly increasing their risk of developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease later in life.

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