Residential Asbestos Exposure
Residential asbestos exposure is a very significant source of asbestos poisoning and ensuing diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Millions of houses, apartments, and other private residences in the U.S. have provided asbestos exposure to the men, women and children who unknowingly inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers that were shed from:
- floor tiles
- ceiling tiles
- plumbing
- drywall
- insulation
- textiles, and
- much more
Thousands of Residential Building Products
Literally thousands of different building products have provided residential asbestos exposure. Although asbestos is thought not to be dangerous when it is "trapped" within a product, all products eventually deteriorate, and most instances of residential asbestos exposure are due to deteriorated, "friable" (crumbling) building products that release asbestos fibers.
Thus, asbestos fibers in the air, on the ground and in drinking water are the sources of residential asbestos exposure that has sickened thousands of humans and many animals (pets such as dogs and cats are mammals that are also vulnerable to asbestos poisoning).
Renovation Danger: Asbestos Exposure
In addition, many instances of residential asbestos exposure occur when a home is renovated or remodeled, including:
- tearing down a wall
- pulling up a floor
- replacing old insulation
- removing roof shingles
- changing an old light fixture
- replacing an old furnace or plumbing or electrical wiring
These are all opportunities for asbestos fibers to be disturbed and released into the air. Indeed, the epic amounts of asbestos in residences built before the 1980s must be dealt with as these homes become old and in need of updating. If you're considering remodeling your own residence, it's a good idea to determine whether asbestos containing building products are present before you proceed.
Learn More about Residential Asbestos Exposure
If you're concerned about residential asbestos exposure and its risks, contact the Mesothelioma Treatment Center to speak with an attorney for asbestos exposure today.
