Asbestos flooring is a type of flooring that contains asbestos fibers. These asbestos fibers can be released into the air when the flooring is disturbed, and people can breathe in these asbestos fibers. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems, including mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos, it is important to seek medical attention and speak with an experienced asbestos lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Flooring is One of the Most Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure can happen in many different ways, but asbestos flooring is one of the most common sources of asbestos exposure. Asbestos flooring was commonly used in homes and businesses in the United States until the early 1980s, when the health risks of asbestos exposure were better understood. Both floor tiles and the tile adhesive incorporated in laying flooring tiles has been sources of exposure.
Where is Asbestos Flooring Commonly Found?
Asbestos has been used in flooring tiles for many years because it is a highly durable material that is resistant to fire, heat, and chemicals. Asbestos fibers are also very strong, making them ideal for use in flooring tiles that will see a lot of foot traffic. However, asbestos is now known to be a dangerous substance that can cause serious health problems, including cancer.
Asbestos flooring can be found in many different types of buildings, including schools, hospitals, and office buildings.
If you have old flooring tiles that have asbestos, it is important to have them removed by a professional as soon as possible.
What Are Your Risks When Working with Asbestos Flooring?
There are a variety of activities that can result in high-risk exposure to asbestos fibers, particularly when working with asbestos flooring. Some of these activities include:
- Cutting, sawing, or drilling into asbestos flooring or material that has asbestos
- Sanding or grinding asbestos flooring
- Demolition work on structures that have asbestos flooring
- Repair work on asbestos flooring
- Working near asbestos flooring during its installation or removal
Each of these activities can release large numbers of asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled by people nearby. This can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
When exposed to asbestos fibers, it’s important to see a doctor promptly. There are a variety of tests that can be done to check for asbestos exposure, and treatment options are available for those who have been affected.
Contact an Asbestos Lawyer if You Have Been Exposed
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, please contact an experienced asbestos lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options. Asbestos exposure is a serious health risk, and you should not hesitate to seek legal help if you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos.
A mesothelioma lawyer in Chicago and Grand Rapids at Vogelzang Law advocates for asbestos victims. Our team has over 20 years of experience bringing toxic tort cases to trial. Visit us online to read about the cases we handle or call us at (888) 665-2065 to schedule a consultation.
