Court Allows Lawsuit to Continue against Companies Blamed for Man’s Death from Mesothelioma

In February, SFGate reported that the First District Court of Appeals in San Francisco has reinstated a lawsuit against several automotive companies and parts suppliers. The lawsuit was filed by a man and his family before he died from asbestos exposure that resulted in him developing mesothelioma.  

The man worked in Port Hueneme in California for over 25 years, and his family believes exposure to asbestos dusts from the vehicle repair shop caused his condition and eventual death. The case had been dismissed in Superior Court before being reinstated upon appeal.

Asbestos was used frequently in the past in automotive parts such as brakes and clutches due to its strength and heat resistance. Mechanics and people working in or around automotive repair facilities were at risk of exposure, especially during common practices such as the blowing out of brake surfaces with an air house. This and other actions could easily aerosolize asbestos fibers making them an inhalation hazard to anyone in the area.

“In addition to causing mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer and asbestosis,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility, California’s leading asbestos testing laboratory. “While the use of asbestos in automotive and building materials has declined significantly in recent times, this case highlights the dangers of its past use and a reminder that asbestos hazards still exist for many workers.”    

For those concerned about exposure to asbestos, LA Testing provides all of the sampling supplies and analytical services needed to test materials as well as air and dust samples. They also have sponsored an educational video about malignant mesothelioma and asbestos that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/lEyopPp9Ck4.

To learn more about asbestos or other indoor environmental quality, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other substances.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

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LA Testing

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