Traditionally, spring is a season when many homeowners begin new renovations around the house. Whether you've made renovations in the past or you're considering them now, it's important to be aware of the dangers of asbestos. In fact, the U.S. Senate has designated the first week of April as "National Asbestos Awareness Week." In an effort to raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases, we'd like to share some important information about asbestos exposure during home renovations.
Insulation and other products used for buildings constructed prior to the 1980s contained asbestos as a fire retardant. Inhaling loose fibers of asbestos may cause mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos also causes asbestos related diseases like lung cancer. Symptoms may not appear for decades after exposure, however, so you may be experiencing symptoms now from asbestos exposure 30 or more years ago. View our infographic to see places in the home where asbestos is commonly found.
If you suspect you were exposed to asbestos but that you protected yourself from inhalation by breathing through a clean cloth, blanket or bandana, you may still be at risk.
If you are in the midst of a renovation project and come across products in your home that you think may contain asbestos, contact your local health department or a regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A certified asbestos abatement professional must be retained to remove any asbestos products from your home to ensure your safety against exposure.
Never attempt to remove asbestos products yourself. Doing so could release mass amounts of asbestos fibers into the air and leave you and those who live near you at a high risk of asbestos exposure.
Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma and asbestosis, and many other deadly illnesses. If you believe you were exposed to asbestos and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma or a respiratory illness, you may be eligible for compensation and can file a claim. An experienced asbestos attorney may be able to help. If your illness was caused by asbestos exposure, file a claim against the manufacturers of asbestos containing products today. Fill out the form to the right or call us today.
