Asbestos Found in Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations)

The packing materials we use today do what they are supposed to do: help protect packages in transit. But for many years, this was not the case. Packing materials used before 1980 contained asbestos, a natural material mined in many countries but with deadly consequences on exposure to its friable fibers. Scientists and researchers have proved beyond doubt that asbestos exposure can lead to the development of serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Asbestos Exposure from Packing Materials

Producers of packaging material used asbestos to make the product strong, durable, flexible, insulating, heat-resistant, lightweight, and cost-effective. According to records, the practice started in 1800s. In the early 1930s, however, indications of the effects of using asbestos did come to light; these were ignored in the interest of business and as a result, much harm has been done. While the packing material was intact, the asbestos in it was of no consequence; but when the packing was opened, it would break and release minute fibers into the air around. This has resulted in a large number of cases of linked diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Packing Materials Containing Asbestos Fibers

As a result of the ban imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1980, the packing materials in use today are harmless because they are made of paper, cardboard, Styrofoam, or even biodegradable cornstarch. They can be handled without fear, as even if they are damaged, there’s no danger to our health in any way. But the harm done in the years of using asbestos containing packing material reflects in the large number of deaths that are recorded each year owing to mesothelioma and other asbestos-linked diseases. In the U.S. alone, more than 10,000 Americans die each year as the result of asbestos exposure.

The tragic part of this fatal disease that was entirely avoidable is that it has a long gestation period, often spanning 20 to 50 years. In this period, there is no indication of the festering and inflammation happening in the linings of the lungs, heart, or the stomach owing to the asbestos fibers lodged there. The initial symptoms are also non-specific and very similar to symptoms of much less serious viral infections. For this reason, the deadly malignancy is generally diagnosed in the last stages and only palliative care can be offered. The large number of litigation that is ensuing and will continue for decades as new cases come to light is a testimony to the helpless indignation felt by the victims and their families.