Removing Asbestos

Asbestos was used in millions of homes and workplaces throughout the US in the 20th Century. This was because the construction industry favored the material because it is known to have excellent fire-proofing qualities. Asbestos can appear on its own in items such as pipe lagging or lagging around boilers. However, more commonly, it features in other products. These can range from ceiling tiles to drywall. If there is asbestos in your home, you need to start considering ways to reduce asbestos as it is extremely hazardous. If you have been exposed to asbestos fibers, it may be possible to sue those responsible.

Asbestos is dangerous because the chemicals that make it up are extremely dangerous to the body. When left alone asbestos poses no danger. However, if it is broken or damaged, its miniscule fibers are thrown up and can be inhaled. Once inhaled, they remain in the lungs and start to damage them. There are several life-threatening diseases which can occur from the inhalation of asbestos. These include:

1. Asbestosis. This is where the lungs get scarred and damaged by asbestos fibers. This results in the lungs not functioning properly.

2. Lung cancer

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, or COPD. This is where part of the lungs have been blocked as a result of the asbestos inhalation; and

4. Mesothelioma: This is a type of lung cancer where the cells in the lining of the lungs are affected. These cells are known as the mesothelium.

For the reasons mentioned above, it is recommended that extreme caution is taken when breaking up products and materials that have asbestos in it.

If we take a step back, it would be important to first work out whether or not asbestos does actually feature in your home or office. This can be done by appointing a specialist asbestos contractor to identify the extent to which asbestos is present.

Your state's environmental health department will have a list of licensed contractors who have been carefully vetted and specialize in identifying and reducing asbestos. They will be able to use the correct and approved methods to remove this extremely dangerous material. You should consider speaking to one of these contractors if you are considering undertaking any renovation or demolition work in your home or office before the work begins. If asbestos is inadvertently released, then it will be much more dangerous, expensive and time consuming to remove the same later.

Sometimes this may be too late and you, or someone you know, may have been exposed to asbestos fibers unwittingly. If this is the case there is a risk that you may become seriously ill. If this has occurred then you should bear in mind that someone is actually responsible. Many manufacturers of asbestos products or materials have known for many decades of the dangers of asbestos, but yet continue to produce the same. In some cases, manufacturers still continue to use asbestos, or have attempted to conceal the fact they were aware of the dangers of this material.

Therefore, if you are suffering from an illness as a result of asbestos exposure, it may be that you will be able to file a lawsuit against those who are responsible. Such a lawsuit will include a claim for injuries you have incurred, as well as your medical costs. A claim for your future medical treatment and medical costs may also be possible. After all you and your family may find yourselves bearing a lot of expense and this may make things even worse for you.

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

State

Employment

Employment per thousand jobs

Location quotient

Hourly mean wage

Annual mean wage

California 16600.111.2618.1337720
Florida 11300.141.6817.9737370
Illinois 9600.161.9217.937240
Texas 7600.070.7816.6234570
New York 6500.070.8520.1241840

Source: bls.gov

DISCLAIMER: Information posted or made available on or through this Website, including without limitation any articles, comments, opinions, recommendations, answers, links, analysis, references, referrals or legally related content or information (collectively "Legal Information") is not intended as legal advice or to create an attorney-client relationship between you and any attorney. Such Legal Information is intended for general informational purposes only and should be used only as a starting point for addressing your legal issues. It is not a substitute for an in-person or telephone consultation with an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction about your specific legal issue, and you should not rely upon such Legal Information. Nothing that is made available on this Website, including without limitation any question or answers posted on this Website, is subject to attorney-client privilege.

We have no control over and we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, applicability, completeness or quality of any such Legal Information or the qualifications of anyone providing such Legal Information. NEITHER MINDSPARK INTERACTIVE NETWORK, INC. NOR ITS AGENTS AND SERVICE PROVIDES SHALL HAVE ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY OF ANY KIND FOR ANY LEGAL INFORMATION YOU ENCOUNTER ON OR THROUGH THIS WEBSITE, AND ANY USE OR RELIANCE ON LEGAL INFORMATION IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

FAQs

Q:I am interested in removing asbestos from my house. Can you tell me the dangers of asbestos exposure?

A:When left alone asbestos poses no danger. However, if it is broken or damaged, the fiber can cause many health hazards. If asbestos fibers are inhaled, they remain in the lungs and can damage them. Diseases caused by asbestos include asbestosis, lung cancer, COPD, and mesothelioma. Extreme caution is needed when breaking up asbestos products.

Q:Other than lung cancer, what other diseases can be caused by asbestos removal?

A:There are a number of other diseases that can be caused by asbestos removal, such as asbestosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). Asbestosis occurs when lungs get scarred and damaged by asbestos fibers, which affects the functioning of lungs. COPD occurs when lungs get blocked due to inhaling asbestos fibers.

Q:How to Remove Asbestos?

A:If you want to remove asbestos, you will have to find a list of licensed contractors who specialize in identifying and reducing asbestos. They will be using correct and safe methods to remove asbestos. It is recommended that you speak to one of these contractors before you begin renovation or demolition work in your home or office.

Q:How can I correctly perform asbestos ceiling removal?

A:If you are interested in removing an asbestos ceiling, the best bet is to look for a list of licensed contractors in your state that perform this task in an effective manner. They will use safe methods and will use techniques to prevent asbestos exposure. It is strongly recommended that you look for an expert for asbestos ceiling removal.

Q:Is it always necessary to conduct asbestos roof removal?

A:Asbestos is not harmful if it is not damaged or eroded. Removal of asbestos is only necessary when there is a danger that asbestos fibers will be released in the air. In case of damage or erosion, you may look for licensed contractors in your state to get the asbestos removal done in a safe and effective way.

Q:Can I remove asbestos myself?

A:If you are looking to remove asbestos, the best way is to contact a licensed contractor in your state. Since asbestos removal can be hazardous, it should preferably be handled by an expert. However, it is also good to read safety techniques yourself, so that the danger of asbestos exposure can be minimized.