Asbestos Exposure in the Home
As even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can cause injuries, the dangers of asbestos in the home and the risks of developing mesothelioma can occur due to renovation or repair work in the home (first-hand exposure) or contact with individuals working with asbestos (second-hand exposure). Handling and disposal of any asbestos products should be managed by a certified asbestos contractor only.
Asbestos fibers are so toxic that industrial and trade worker’s families are at-risk to develop mesothelioma through contact of particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as para-occupational exposure. Workers handling asbestos today must change clothes prior to leaving the workplace, but this was not always the case. Asbestos dust on boots and clothing carried the fibers home, exposing wives and children to asbestos-related diseases. While most mesothelioma lawsuits are brought by workers directly handling asbestos, family members that contract the deadly disease may be eligible to make a claim.
Asbestos exposure in the home could also have occurred when renovation or repair work was performed. The majority of building products manufactured today do not contain asbestos, however those frequently used prior to 1970 do carry exposure risks. While use of asbestos has been curbed in the United States since the late 1970s, there is not a ban on the mineral. Products such as joint compounds, wallboards, gaskets, fireproofing, pipe covering, cements, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and boiler insulation often contained asbestos. (See a more complete list of products that used to contain asbestos.)
If these products were mixed, grinded, cut, sawed, sprayed, removed or otherwise manipulated, they could have released asbestos fibers into your home resulting in the fibers becoming lodged in your lungs. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma, even 10-70 years later.
Belluck & Fox prides itself on our commitment to investigating each case, and we handle each case individually. From the initial meeting, we will start our research and investigation of your claims, and we will continue to represent you throughout every phase of litigation, through your settlement.
Did you know that a common insulation used in millions of U.S. homes may be contaminated with asbestos?
