Although asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once prized for its insulating and heat-resistant properties, it has become a major public health concern in recent decades.
The fibrous material can release microscopic particles into the air when disturbed. These particles are responsible for life-threatening respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you inhale the particles, you place yourself at risk for these diagnoses.
While many homeowners know the dangers of asbestos, they can be ignorant about the risks within their dwellings. Asbestos was common in building materials in the 1980s. It’s found in roofing, drywall, cement, flooring tiles, and roofing.
If you own an older home that you wish to renovate, it’s vital to schedule an inspection and take abatement actions if required.
If you demolish a wall, for example, the activity can release asbestos into the air, so it helps to know where asbestos is located in your home.
Why Speaking to an Asbestos Attorney is Important
If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-based disease, an asbestos lawyer can help you receive the compensation you need for ongoing care. Learn more about your rights and see how an asbestos lawyer can maximize a settlement.
The Hidden Danger in Your Home
Again, homes constructed before 1980 are most likely to have asbestos-containing materials. At that time, asbestos was widely used in construction products due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness.
However, as these older homes age and the materials deteriorate, the asbestos fibers become airborne, exposing residents to the risk of inhalation. So, you should schedule an abatement, even if you don’t plan to schedule remodeling.
Some materials, such as flooring tiles made with asbestos or a sealant-based product, can stay intact for many years. They may pose little risk if left alone or last a long time. However, checking the exposure risk is still vital if you own a home.
During activities like cutting, drilling, or sanding on structures containing asbestos, minute fibers are released into the atmosphere. As a result, the mineral is easy to ingest or swallow.
Asbestos and Health Risks
Exposure to different types of asbestos leads to separate kinds of respiratory conditions, each with different symptoms and prognoses. Knowing the potential health effects is vital for homeowners when they are dealing with the presence of asbestos in their homes.
- Lung Cancer: The risk of developing lung cancer increases significantly after a person has been exposed to asbestos fibers. This risk becomes even higher for those who smoke.
- Asbestosis: This progressive chronic lung disease results when asbestos is inhaled and the fiber lodes in the lungs. The condition causes scarring and reduced lung function. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain, which worsen over time.
- Mesothelioma: This rare but aggressive cancer occurs almost exclusively as a result of asbestos exposure. It is mainly found in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). Symptoms usually do not appear until years after the first exposure.
- Mesothelioma can take up to 50 years between exposure and its onset, making it difficult to trace the disease to a specific event. Because of these long latency periods, it is crucial to take a proactive stance if you find asbestos in your home.
Finding Asbestos in Your Home
Checking if your home has asbestos can be difficult because this material is found in many building materials.
Common Items in the Home that Contain Asbestos
Some of the items that contain asbestos include:
- Insulation (in attics, walls, and around pipes and ducts)
- Roofing and siding shingles
- Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring
- Cement sheet, millboard, and paper used for fireproofing
- Textured paints and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints
- Older heating systems (furnace door gaskets, duct connectors, and boiler insulation)
Paying for Renovation and Asbestos Removal
The total cost of a remodeling project may be affected by a few factors, such as:
- Size and complexity of the project.
- Type and condition of asbestos-containing materials.
- Accessibility to affected areas.
- The need for specialized equipment or containment measures.
- Disposal of waste- containing asbestos.
In addition to the remediation work costs, homeowners may incur additional expenses. For example, they may have to relocate during abatement temporarily, or the home’s resale value may be affected after the removal.
Many homeowners, especially those with limited financial resources, face an enormous financial challenge regarding asbestos remediation.
Nonetheless, you should always prioritize your family’s health and welfare when dealing with asbestos in your home.
Protecting Your Family
In addition to protecting yourself from the harmful effects of asbestos in your house, it is also essential to maintain a healthy environment for family members. Children can inhale more air per body weight and spend more time at home, making them more vulnerable to toxins.
As a homeowner, you must regularly detect and manage any asbestos-containing materials in your residence. It involves scheduling check-ups, attending to damages immediately, and hiring professional abatement specialists.
Moreover, familiarize yourself and family members with some of the asbestos-related hazards. Don’t proceed with any renovation. Any remodeling might require tampering with certain items made with asbestos.
Therefore, it is imperative to have a licensed specialist oversee an abatement procedure. Don’t try to undertake a do-it-yourself project before you find out where the asbestos is in your house. You also don’t want to remove asbestos yourself.
Abatement professionals have the proper equipment to ensure the removal is successful. Please don’t underestimate the danger of the mineral.
Contact an Asbestos Lawyer Today
Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer? Do you believe it was from asbestos exposure? If so, you need to contact an asbestos lawyer.
By consulting with a mesothelioma and asbestos law firm, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you have an experienced professional advocating for your rights and ensuring that your health and safety are protected. They will work diligently to gather evidence, investigate your case, and hold any responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call an attorney today for a free consultation.
