Asbestos Abatement: Things You Should Know About the Removal and Disposal of this Dangerous Mineral

Residents of the U.S. and Canada may seek legal remedies with our law firm for an asbestos-related cancer, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

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For the residential property owner planning to remodel an ancient formica-countered kitchen, the suburban school district planning upgrades to a post-war school building or the commercial land owner looking to repurpose an aging strip mall property, the regulations and requirements to proceed with planned improvements that will involve the removal of asbestos (known as asbestos abatement) are the same.

Asbestos was used in the construction and renovation of virtually every residential, business, school and church property built in the first half of the 20th century. The dangerous carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) was commonly used in:

Walls and ceiling insulation materials;

Vinyl floor tiles and sub-flooring materials (including buildings where hard wood floors were not installed);

Tape and other insulation materials used to cover water and heating pipes; and

Materials used to insulate furnaces, boilers and hot water tanks.

Because of the dangers associated with the abatement of asbestos materials, a number of federal, state and local agencies regulate how asbestos materials are removed.

Inspection and Asbestos Abatement Requirements
Federal, state and local agencies regulate the requirements for the removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in residential and commercial properties constructed prior to the mid-1970s. A certified asbestos inspector must prepare a report regarding the presence of ACM and it will need to be removed before renovations can begin.

If the inspection report reveals that ACM is and will need to be abated, only certified asbestos contractors are permitted to perform the work. A certified contractor can ensure that the work is performed in accordance with regulations, make certain that mandatory testing is performed for airborne asbestos while the job is being done, and ensure that asbestos-containing debris is disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

Risks of Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Asbestos has a latency period (the time between exposure and the development of symptoms of an asbestos-related illness) of 30 or more years. Because microscopic asbestos fibers attach themselves to the lungs, even those who were only exposed on a limited basis are still at risk to develop serious diseases such as mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, the experienced lawyers at Weitz & Luxenberg may be able to help you seek compensation for your illness.

Complete the form on this page for a free evaluation of your possible lawsuit and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.