The Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center cautions Texas residents returning to hurricane-damaged homes and neighborhoods to be wary of asbestos fibers that may have been released during the storm.
Building Materials May Contain Asbestos
Because of its durability and strength, asbestos was widely used to build homes and commercial buildings during the 1940s, 50s and 60s. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that the dangers of asbestos were released and regulations against use of the toxic mineral were enforced.
Because of this, many of the Texas homes built before the early 1980s still contain asbestos in structural materials such as insulation, roofing tiles, flooring and drywall.
Damage to the asbestos-laden materials cause the fibers to separate and float freely in the air. The free floating fibers can be easily inhaled. If ingested, the fibers can become embedded in the lungs, stomach or heart, which can eventually lead to the development of fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer.
Safety Guidelines for Texas Residents
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a list of safety guidelines for homeowners and residents returning to their homes after the hurricane. The following list of guidelines are recommended to prevent toxic asbestos exposure and other health hazards:
• Wear a face mask that fully covers the nose and mouth to prevent breathing in asbestos fibers and other toxic minerals floating in the air
• Do not drink or use stagnant water from damaged wells
• Hire an experienced asbestos abatement professional to remove and properly dispose of all asbestos-laden materials
• Report any suspicions of asbestos to the EPA
Members of the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center have joined forces with the EPA in an effort to keep the victims of the hurricane safe.
(Source: New York Times)
Has your home been damaged in a hurricane or another natural disaster and you think you may have been exposed to asbestos? If so, contact us today to speak with a qualified asbestos attorney who will fight to protect your legal rights.
