Asbestos in the Home
Asbestos in the home can present serious dangers to you and your family. Asbestos is a material used extensively in residential construction and maintenance. Exposure to asbestos in the home can result in serious adverse health effects including asbestosis, a disease of the lungs, mesothelioma, a cancer of the heart, lung or organ lining, and lung cancer.
Materials containing asbestos in the home
Asbestos in the home can be found specifically in the following materials:
- Furnace insulation
- Pipe coverings
- Ceiling and flooring tiles
- Siding and wallboards
- Roofing
- Textured ceiling and wall coverings and paint
- Fireproofing materials
- Linoleum
Asbestos in the home is most dangerous when the materials are old or have been compromised in some way. If materials containing asbestos in the home are in good condition and are not at risk for damage, experts recommend leaving them alone.
Removing Asbestos in the home
If you believe the materials containing asbestos in the home pose a threat, you should never attempt to remove asbestos by yourself. Qualified asbestos abatement professionals should be contacted to remove asbestos in the home, as they have safety protocols and can remove these materials with little danger to their health and the health of your loved ones.
Asbestos workers: another source of asbestos in the home
Your family may also be at risk for exposure to asbestos in the home if you or another family member work with asbestos. Asbestos fibers can travel home on the body, work clothes, tools, equipment, and other items used at work, such as bags, rags, scrap lumber, and more. Over 100 asbestos-related deaths in the US have been attributed to asbestos brought home by workers.
Why exposure to asbestos in the home is dangerous
Exposure to asbestos in the home is dangerous because it can lead to the development of serious diseases including cancer. Asbestos becomes dangerous when the fibers become airborne and you or your family inhales or ingests these particles. This exposure to asbestos in the home can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious asbestos-related diseases. Often, diseases caused by asbestos take a long time to develop. This means that you can develop asbestos related diseases years and often decades after exposure.
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the home, you may have the legal right to seek compensation for your medical expenses and more. Please contact us today to learn about your legal rights and options.
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