DISPOSING ASBESTOS

EPA guidelines on disposing home asbestos

Disposing asbestos materials from one’s home should be the last option considered, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That’s because disposing asbestos poses the greatest risk of toxic fiber release into the air.

April 22, 2010 – Until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. If you are thinking of disposing asbestos materials found in your home, usually the best thing to do is to leave it alone, especially if the material is in good condition.

When asbestos materials are in good condition they will not release toxic asbestos fibers into the air. But if the materials are old or physically disturbed, asbestos fibers may be released into the air.

Asbestos exposure occurs when workers inadvertently inhale microscopic airborne asbestos fibers while working with or disposing asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos materials that crumble easily when handled, or asbestos-containing products that have been cut, scraped, sawed or sanded, are most likely to emit toxic fibers into the air and create a work site health hazard.

Once embedded in lung tissue, asbestos fibers will remain there for decades before symptoms of an asbestos disease like mesothelioma can be detected, and by then it is usually too late for a complete recovery.

Disposing asbestos

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), disposing asbestos from one’s home should be the last option considered. This is because asbestos removal activities, such as disposing asbestos, pose the greatest risk of fiber release.

Even doing minor home repairs yourself is not recommended, since improper handling of asbestos materials can create a hazard where none existed.

Disposing asbestos is a very complex procedure and must be done only by a contractor with special training. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family.

Weitz & Luxenberg – Workers' legal protector

The failure of companies to provide safety equipment or product warnings for their workers has led to tens of thousands of job-related deaths, and is a serious negligent act that courts assign liability to.

Thousands of retired workers diagnosed with a job-related asbestos illness have filed asbestos claims against these companies, and have successfully obtained large verdicts and settlements with the help of a Weitz & Luxenberg asbestos cancer attorney.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, you are urged to contact the law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg for a free appraisal of your case and eligibility to receive compensation.