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Each year over 3,000 people will suffer and die from asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a known toxin since the 1930's, is an inexpensive fibrous material
that is extremely durable and heat resistant. Because of these properties it
was heavily used in industry throughout the United States. After its
carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties were discovered many industries
irresponsibly continued to use asbestos, putting the public, their workers
and families at risk.
Even today asbestos-containing products still remain in buildings, ships,
industrial facilities and other environments and continue to expose the
public to this extremely dangerous material. The EPA has stated that
asbestos "presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human
health;" even low levels of asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma,
asbestosis, pleural disease and lung cancer, diseases that are almost
exclusively caused by asbestos.
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