Direct Domestic Exposure to Asbestos

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSTR) provides information on asbestos products that were used in the construction of older homes, and how homeowners can safely have asbestos removed during domestic home remodeling projects.  Both direct and secondary exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. 

As noted previously, some home attic insulation and many other home and building materials produced before 1975 contain asbestos. People who live in homes with these materials are at risk of exposure if the materials are loose, crumbling, or disturbed by household activities or renovations. In such cases, the asbestos materials should be removed or encapsulated by a trained and certified asbestos contractor. For information on where to find certified asbestos contractors in your state, contact your local health department.

On the other hand, asbestos contained in intact solid material poses a negligible risk of exposure. A 1992 study of indoor air in homes and schools with asbestos-containing materials found an average concentration of 0.0001 fibers/cc (Lee et al. 1992). There are many ways that people can also be exposed to asbestos through hobbies and recreational activities that entail contact with materials containing asbestos; some examples are such activities as home renovation, auto repair, and urban spelunking. In places where naturally occurring asbestos is close to the earth’s surface, activities such as gardening and dirt biking can cause exposures if asbestos-bearing rock is disturbed.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease. If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form below, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.