Vintage household items may contain asbestos

Many of us prefer the feel and look of vintage clothes, cars and other “classic” items over their newer, often less durable counterparts. In fact, we’ve all heard someone say “they just don’t make them like they used to” with a disappointed tone, remembering when this or that product was sturdier or better in some way. It’s true — very few products of any kind are still manufactured with the same processes and materials used in previous decades.

However, in many instances, older products contain dangerous substances that cause illnesses that manufacturers and regulators were unaware of when they were in production. This is particularly true of products that contain asbestos. Until medical researchers identified the link between asbestos and mesothelioma, many of the products produced from the 1930s through 1977 included asbestos.

Homes and products from this period often contain dangerous amounts of asbestos, and individuals who spend significant amounts of time in them or around them may have much greater asbestos exposure than they realize. If you believe that you experienced prolonged asbestos exposure, you may need to build a strong personal injury claim to seek fair compensation for personal and financial losses these products caused.

What kinds of household items may contain asbestos?

Unfortunately, there was a time when manufacturers included asbestos in a wide range of products. Often, asbestos was used in products that generate a significant amount of heat, but not always. Vintage heating items that commonly contain asbestos include:

• Hair dryers
• Ironing boards and rods
• “Electric” blankets that plug into an outlet
• Heating appliances like coffeemakers, toasters and mini ovens

Other products that do not directly involve heating or shielding from heat may include:

• Toys for children
• Vermiculite, often used in potting soil
• Chalkboards
• Brakes used in consumer vehicles

Protecting your future

Mesothelioma, which results from asbestos exposure, is a deadly form of cancer that requires ongoing medical treatment. If you believe that your exposure to asbestos led to your own mesothelioma, now is the time to begin protecting your rights and your future. Building a claim seeking compensation for asbestos exposure requires a great deal of time and attention. Be sure to use all the high-quality legal guidance and tools that you need to ensure that your rights remain secure while you fight for fair compensation for your losses and suffering.