ASBESTOS PAINT

Sanding surfaces covered with asbestos paint creates a dusty health hazard for workers

Renovation work on walls with asbestos-containing paint can release toxic asbestos fibers into the air and expose workers to asbestos disease.

April 21, 2010 – Up until about 1980, asbestos was added to residential and commercial building paint for its insulating and fire-retardant virtues. However, asbestos is also a toxic substance that, when inhaled at work sites, can cause several terminal diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

The presence of asbestos in paint is not by itself a health hazard. On newly painted surfaces, the danger of asbestos fibers becoming airborne and inhaled is low.

Sanding, or scraping a surface already covered in asbestos paint, is where the danger lies. Renovation or demolition work can release toxic asbestos fibers into the air. Just sanding a surface can create clouds of asbestos dust.

Today, this kind of preliminary work should be performed by a professional asbestos abatement contractor. Years ago, before the enactment of asbestos regulations protecting workers, professional painters went about their chores without protective gear. Consequently, painting is one of many high risk asbestos jobs known to harm workers.

Weitz & Luxenberg law firm

The failure of companies to provide safety equipment or warnings for workers is a highly negligent act that courts assign liability to.

Many injured workers have filed asbestos claims against such companies, successfully obtaining large verdicts and settlements in financial compensation.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, you are urged to contact our firm for a free legal appraisal of your eligibility to received restitution.