Asbestos was discovered in a West Los Angeles apartment building in late June of 2018, causing at least 15 residents of the building to evacuate. The evacuated residents were decontaminated, and, fortunately, none of the residents demonstrated any signs of illness or injury because of the asbestos contained within the building.
This news story is, however, a reminder of the ongoing threat of asbestos exposure in older buildings and homes.
Asbestos Is Still Prevalent in Older Buildings and Homes
If you are a California homeowner who purchased a home that was built up until the 1950s, it is extremely likely that asbestos was used during the home’s construction. Specifically, these older homes often relied on asbestos-containing materials for the home’s insulation.
Even homes and buildings that were constructed during the 1970s have been built with asbestos-containing materials. For these older buildings, asbestos can become hazardous if the asbestos fibers are released into the air, at which point exposed individuals can breathe in or ingest the harmful fibers.
Once asbestos enters the body, it can cause the following fatal diseases:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
- Asbestosis
Ways Home Asbestos Can Be Hazardous
One of the more common ways asbestos in the home can become dangerous is because of the aforementioned use of asbestos insulation. Over time, this insulation can age and eventually become damaged. Eventually, this can lead to the release of asbestos fibers. For reference, this is especially common with regards pipe, furnace and boiler deterioration.
Similarly, ceilings may have also been built with asbestos, and drilling and patching such a ceiling could release asbestos fibers into the home. These are just a few of the most common ways that asbestos can become hazardous within a home.
If you discover the presence of asbestos in a home or older building, know that there are ways to deal with this safety issue. The proper method for asbestos removal will depend on the particular facts and circumstances involved.
In some instances, it may be necessary to permanently remove the asbestos from the home, although this also poses the highest risk of releasing harmful asbestos fibers into the air. Often, the safety risk of asbestos can be handled by repairing a damaged pipe or insulation, rather than removing asbestos from the home entirely. Do note, however, that any remaining asbestos within the home should be regularly monitored for signs of damage and deterioration.
Regardless of whether asbestos repair or removal is the right choice for your home, reaching out to the local health department and/or EPA office will put you in touch with professionals who are certified to handle your asbestos abatement project.
Our team at The Ledger Law Firm is ready to speak with you concerning your questions about the harms of asbestos. Our nationally recognized law firm can also help you file a legal claim that pursues your right to compensation if your mesothelioma was caused by a wrongful exposure to asbestos.
Contact Ledger Law to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer who will protect your legal rights today.
