Weitz & Luxenberg Provides information on types of buildings and residences which contained asbestos

Is it true that buildings and residences used to contain asbestos?

Yes. Before the regulations and modifications that were implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government organizations, buildings and residences constructed prior to the 1970s contained asbestos. The carcinogen satisfied unlimited construction and maintenance needs and was used to “fill spaces, cover items, insulate pipes, mix with liquids, strengthen cement, and keep damp areas dry.” (City Web)

Weitz & Luxenberg is available to address your concerns regarding your asbestos exposure. If you have any questions about what legal avenue to pursue if you are suffering from mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis, please do not hesitate to contact our firm.

What areas of a building/residence contained asbestos?

Basements attics and roofs were the primary areas where you might find asbestos, but they were not the only areas. Your exposure to asbestos could also have come from handling the following materials and products, which were often found in buildings and residences:

Vinyl floor tiles
Certain forms of linoleum
Window caulking and glazing
Siding Material
Plaster
Corrugate heavy duty 8’ X 4 panels
Glue that attaches floor tiles to concrete or wood
Soundproofing materials
Patching compounds
Steam pipes
Oil or coal furnaces
Gas fireplace

Asbestos In Hospitals

Did you ever receive medical treatment in a hospital building? Then there is a very good chance you were exposed to asbestos during your visit/stay. The New York Times reported that “asbestos problems were discovered in 10 municipal hospitals,” (The New York Times) including, Elmhurst, Kings County, Jacobi Metropolitan Hospital, Bellevue, Coler Memorial, Coney Island, Gouverneur, Queens and Sea View Hospitals, which all had damaged asbestos in their facilities. What is most disturbing is that news of asbestos in these particular hospitals was not published until the 1980s, a full decade after the US government made clear its intentions to implement stricter regulations on asbestos use.

It may seem incongruous that a hospital or other medical facility could have caused your illness, but it is not a far-fetched possibility. Health inspectors who reviewed the ten hospitals reported that asbestos was mostly located in “mechanical areas such as boiler rooms,” (The New York Times) rather than areas where patients received care. However, asbestos fibers could have been unintentionally transferred to other areas of the hospital, thereby exposing medical personnel, staff and patients alike.

Asbestos in Schools

In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act (AHERA) “which required education agencies to inspect their schools for asbestos containing building material and prepare management plans to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards. “ (EPA) Public schools, private schools, charter schools and parochial schools were all subject to AHERA’s requirements.

Schools complied with AHERA by doing the following:

“They performed an original inspection and re-inspection of asbestos containing material every three years.” (EPA)
“They developed, maintained and updated an asbestos management plan,” (EPA) and made a copy of the plan available to teachers and students.
“They provided yearly notification to parent, teacher and employee organizations regarding the availability of the school’s asbestos management plan and any asbestos abatement actions taken or planned in the school.” (EPA)
“They designated a contact person to ensure that the responsibilities of the local education agency were properly implemented. “(EPA)
“They performed a periodic surveillance of known or suspected asbestos containing building material” (EPA)
“They provided their custodial staff with asbestos related training.” (EPA)

Although these regulations are still in place today, they are not foolproof. It is entirely possible for children to come into contact with asbestos while in school, sadly making for a whole new generation of sick people.

You Do Not Have To Fight Alone: Weitz & Luxenberg Can Be Your Legal Advocate

Weitz & Luxenberg understands how widespread the asbestos problem is and the havoc it had caused countless people across the country and around the world. It is unfortunate that even though the dangers of asbestos have been known in the United States since at least the Industrial Revolution, it continued to be used in multiple industries. Such carelessness should not be ignored.

Our firm has a team of skilled attorneys with a wealth of knowledge concerning asbestos-related ailments. To get started, simply fill out the form on this page. A representative from our firm will

get in touch with shortly you for your free legal consultation. There is no cost unless we secure a verdict or settlement for you.

Acknowledgements:

The New York Times:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907E1D61638F930A25751C1A965948260

The Environmental Protection Agency:

www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/asbestos_in_schools.html

City Web: www.ci.bloomington.mn.us/main_top/6_pubsafety/asbestos/asbestos.htm