Asbestos exposure is the leading risk factor in the cancer known as mesothelioma. Asbestos was used across a lot of different mediums in the early 1900s, but it is still being found in homes today.
The overabundance of asbestos use in the early and mid-1900s led to millions of workers inhaling asbestos fibers and suffering health problems because of it. Several of the companies using asbestos were aware that asbestos could cause negative health affects, but didn’t reveal this information.
While the harmful effects of asbestos were concealed from workers in the past, the effects are well-known now. Asbestos still exists in several places in a home and the best way to protect yourself from its negative effects is to know where to find it and how to protect yourself from it.
Asbestos hazards can still be found in the following:
- The insulation of homes built between 1930-1950
- Some roof or siding shingles were made of asbestos cement
- Certain paints and texturing compounds in homes constructed before 1977
- Some gas-fired fireplaces may have faux ashes and embers that contain asbestos
- Some vinyl floor tiles
- Oil or coal furnaces
- In an older home, hot water or steam pipes may be coated with a material containing asbestos
Being aware of these hazards is the first step toward protecting yourself from asbestos. The second step is to leave asbestos products that are in good condition alone or have a professional evaluate them.
If you are suffering from asbestos exposure and the lung conditions it can cause, please contact attorney Matthew Kiely. He has experience helping Baltimore, Maryland residents with starting their asbestos lawsuits. To begin your consultation, call (410) 625-9330 today.
