Asbestos Commonly Found In A Home

Asbestos in a home is typically used for a variety of types of insulation, soundproofing, and flooring. However, anyone who pays attention to the news knows there have been thousands of lawsuits over exposure to this substance because it is proven to cause a number of diseases, including lung cancer. While many industries are now using alternative products, there are many concerned homeowners hoping to determine if they and their families are in danger from asbestos products that may have been used in their home.

Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is made of fibrous materials that have been inhaled and swallowed, especially by those who are exposed to high levels of asbestos in the workplace. Even in the home, most people inhale trace amounts that are generally harmless. Those who do work in asbestos-related industries may one day face a risk of one of the serious consequences of asbestos exposure:

Lung cancer

Mesothelioma, or cancer in the lining of the chest and abdomen

Asbestosis, or inflammation of the lungs that can result in permanent damage

Gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer

Thickening or calcification in the lining of the chest cavity

These diseases may not show symptoms until between 10 and 40 years after exposure.

Uses for Asbestos in the Home

While the most common victims of asbestos exposure are those who work in the asbestos industry, there can be instances in the home. However, the home is usually safe from high levels of this material in the air unless there is some damage or deterioration of the products, the home is being renovated, or it is under construction. Some of the products that contain varying degrees of asbestos include:

Building insulation

Ceiling and wall panels

Pipe and duct insulation

Roofing materials

Spackling compound

Cements

Small appliances

Floor tiles

Furnaces

For homeowners who are concerned about asbestos exposure, there are professionals who can assess the levels of asbestos in the home and recommend solutions if a dangerous condition is found. In some cases, that may mean removing the damaged and dangerous material. In others, it may be possible to encase and seal the dangerous materials, eliminating the danger.

Getting Legal Help with Asbestos in the Home

If a homeowner learns that they or someone in their family, has been exposed to high levels of asbestos and are showing signs of disease as a result, they should contact a product liability attorney immediately. The statute of limitations can be fairly short, depending on the state, and it takes time to compile evidence to prove what the offending product was and show its relationship to the disease. Yet it is also important to know the status of the disease before filing suit in order to obtain compensation for all of the costs and suffering the victim will face. Only an expert who is experienced in this area of law can balance these two imperatives for the best possible outcome.

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