Despite 30 years of regulations, the asbestos problem isn’t solved
Recent asbestos articles begin with the same idea – a threat you believed to be in the past is still present today. People who are unaware believe EPA regulations and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act solved the asbestos problem in the United States. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
More than 30 years have passed since the regulations began, but asbestos disease still spreads. The dangers remain in houses built prior to the changes, with asbestos products being used in construction. Older buildings expose countless people to the dangerous fibers when renovations or demolition occurs.
Countless news stories detail the carcinogen being released into old schools and county buildings. Asbestos is found in roofing tiles, insulation and more, posing many risks for many people. Instead of simply being a risk for workers from an era before regulations, asbestos exposure can still hurt workers and homeowners today. Because there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure, the same dangers exist.
Asbestos products that can still cause problems include insulation around old pipes, floor tile and vehicle brakes. Steps can be taken for asbestos removal, but the process is costly and time consuming. To counteract this, many businesses simply ignore the problems or contractors lie about the work being done to ensure safety.
As often as you hear about asbestos being found in an old building, you learn about an asbestos removal company being fined because of improper work. To cut costs, some will change the results to say that the asbestos was cleared after removal when some still remains. Others won’t tell employees what they’re working with, allowing them to be exposed to the asbestos dust. Because this risks many lives, these criminals face large fines and jail times when caught.
Despite our desire to be rid of asbestos, it continues to threaten the lives of all those exposed. It can lead to dangerous diseases, including asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Taking decades to develop, many won’t realize they were exposed or affected until it is too late.
If you were exposed to asbestos and developed lung cancer or mesothelioma, contact us immediately. We want to help.
