Asbestos and Mesothelioma Legal Issues Asbestos is an insulation and flame retardant material that has been banned in the United States since 1989. That's when the Environmental Protection Agency found that the substance caused numerous health problems, including mesothelioma, a form of cancer most commonly found in the lungs of people exposed to asbestos. Asbestos and mesothelioma litigation is related to personal injury and toxic tort law. But even when plaintiffs are diagnosed with mesothelioma, they must still prove that exposure to asbestos caused it. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health issues often take years to develop. Attorneys who focus their practice on asbestos litigation often have the most experience dealing with these issues. Terms to Know Asbestos - A toxic substance banned in 1989, it was formerly used in houses and insulation as a flame retardant Mesothelioma - A rare form of cancer often found in the lungs of peo...