In decades past, it was common for construction companies to build houses and other structures with materials that are no longer considered safe for use in construction. Among all these sorts of materials, none are more infamous than asbestos, which is a shockingly common hazard in many older buildings. But what exactly is asbestos, and why is it considered such a problem in old buildings?
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a type of mineral that can be found all around the world, and was once used as a common material in all sorts of industries, including construction. It was highly valued because it was relatively cheap to obtain, and has the distinction of being naturally resistant to fire and extreme heat. This made it especially valuable as a form of insulation, and was used for that purpose for decades throughout the United States?
What is the Problem With Asbestos?
Unfortunately, it was found that asbestos could cause serious health problems to people who spend time around it. Asbestos crystals can break off into fibers that are small enough to be inhaled, where they settle inside the lungs of the people who breathe them in. Anyone who inhales these fibers can suffer from serious lung conditions, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Why is Asbestos Considered a Problem in Old Buildings?
The United States first began to impose restrictions on the use of asbestos in construction in the late 1970s, and it is thankfully almost never found in any buildings constructed after 1980. However, any building from before that time has a high likelihood of containing asbestos building materials, including insulation and cement. This means that inhabiting any of these older buildings without first inspecting them for potential contamination is seriously risky.
What Should You Do if You Discover Asbestos in Your Building?
If you have discovered asbestos in your home or business, the first thing you should do is contact an asbestos abatement provider. While their services are often expensive, it is the only way to make sure your building is safe for habitation. And if you or anyone you know begins to show the signs of asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer, you should immediately contact a doctor for examination and treatment.
However, you should also speak to a personal injury lawyer with experience handling issues related to asbestos exposure. They can help you to obtain compensation for the harm that you and your loved ones have experienced. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work on getting you the justice you deserve.
If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at (615) 444-2900 or visit our contact page.
I appreciate that you mentioned that the first step you should do if you find asbestos in your house or place of business is to get in touch with an asbestos removal company. Although their services are frequently pricey, they are the only way to guarantee that your facility is secure enough to occupy. Knowing that asbestos in your home has the potential to cause serious illnesses is a very good thing. My husband and I want to make sure that our family is shielded from any potential illnesses or harm. To protect the health of our entire family, we must find a reliable inspection agency that can check for asbestos in our home.
I appreciate that you said that contacting an asbestos removal firm should be your first move if you discover asbestos in your home or place of work. They are the only option to ensure that your facility is safe enough for occupants, even though their services are usually expensive. It is quite beneficial to be aware that asbestos in your house has the potential to result in serious diseases. My husband and I want to take all necessary precautions to protect our family from any potential diseases or damage. We have to look for a reputable inspection company that can check our house for asbestos to safeguard the health of our complete family.
I’m glad you pointed out that the first thing you ought to do if you discover asbestos in your home or place of business contacts an asbestos removal company. The only way to ensure that your facility is secure enough to occupy is to use their services, even though they are frequently expensive. The possibility that asbestos in your home could lead to serious illnesses is something you should be aware of. We, my husband and I, want to protect our family from any possible illnesses or harm. Our home needs to be inspected for asbestos by a reputable inspection agency to safeguard the health of our entire family.
It got me when you said asbestos was cheap to obtain and naturally resistant to fire and extreme heat. I’ve always wondered why old homes had asbestos in them. What was their purpose? Now I know why. But that doesn’t mean I would get it cleared if I found out my home has asbestos.
This site perfectly explains why asbestos remains a significant problem in old buildings. The historical use of asbestos and its fire-resistant properties made it popular, but now we know the health risks associated with it. The Keith Williams Law Group is doing an excellent job shedding light on the legal and health aspects of asbestos in old buildings. Keep up the good work in advocating for safer living and working environments!
Thank you for explaining that asbestos isn’t found in buildings older than 1980. I’ve been wondering if we should get our home tested before we start renovating. It was built in the early 70s, so we’ll be sure to get it checked out.