Encapsulated Asbestos Fibers

Encapsulated asbestos is a defense that is employed by certain defendants in asbestos lawsuits. The argument of the asbestos companies and their attorneys is that their product posed no risk because the asbestos fibers it contained were encapsulated in some way, that is, the fibers were sealed within the product without danger of escaping into the air. This type of defense is illegitimate and untrue.

Asbestos fibers are microscopic, so much so that it requires a special beam of light to detect them in the air. Consequently, using a microscope, one would find that asbestos fibers are sitting directly on the surface of many “encapsulated” asbestos products. Additionally, asbestos products often require that they be altered in some way to put them to their intended use. Most asbestos material is cut, sanded, sawed, or mixed when it is utilized, releasing millions of asbestos fibers into the air.

Asbestos is invisible to the naked eye. The claim that asbestos can be encapsulated, when so many asbestos products require significant alteration to be put to use, is patently false. The manufacturers of these dangerous products should be held accountable for their negligence and the injury and death they have caused. If you or a loved one has been injured due to asbestos exposure and contracted mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact PWHD today for a free consultation.

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