Asbestos remains an important public health issue in Massachusetts, especially for people who have either lived or worked in older buildings, construction sites, shipyards, or heavy industries. Despite some federal regulations limiting its use, residents within these domains could still potentially be exposed to asbestos due to history and aging infrastructure. A firm understanding of the dangers posed by asbestos and knowledge of what protective measures may be taken to prevent the onset of mesothelioma, a deadly and debilitating disease be of utmost valuable assistance toward such a goal.
Understanding Asbestos-What It Is and Dangers Involved
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has long been used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing because of its fire-resistant properties and durability. Long-term inhalation of asbestos particles may cause serious diseases like:
Mesothelioma: a malignant form of cancer that attacks the lining of the juices of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Asbestosis: chronic inflammatory lung disease caused by severe scarring from ingestion of asbestos fibers lodged in or around the lung cells.
Lung Cancer: asbestos exposure appears to increase lung cancer risk, especially for users.
Who Is at Risk in Massachusetts?
There are many groups of persons in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at high risk for asbestos exposure. Such people include:
1. Construction Workers and Renovators
Many homes, schools, and buildings built before the 1980s used asbestos in insulation, siding, roofing, and flooring. Thus, reconstruction and demolition activities could free harmful fibers into the air and put workers and residents at dire risk.
2. Shipyard Workers
Massachusetts has a robust maritime industry, and shipyards have historically used so much asbestos for insulation in ships. Workers who have been engaged in shipbuilding and maintenance have been exposed heavily over the years.
3. Factory and Mill Workers
Many mills and factories in Massachusetts' industrial history used materials that contained asbestos. Employees in such fields could have unknowingly inhaled airborne asbestos fibers through very brief exposure times.
4. Older Home Residents
As a general rule of thumb, it indicates that they might have older houses built before the modern asbestos regulations. Therefore, persons residing in such older homes yet to be investigated for asbestos should be on their guard and stay dormant unless extensive damage is being done to the required areas.
Steps to Avoid Asbestos Exposure
If you live or work in asbestos-contaminated environments, follow these tips to avoid exposure:
Assess for Asbestos: If you're in a pre-1980 home or working in a pre-1980 building, get an inspection done by an accredited asbestos professional.
Do Not Disturb: Damaged or getting renovations might release asbestos fibers. Always use licensed professionals to carry through removal or renovation.
Follow Safety Practices: Wearing protective equipment and complying with all workplace regulations about asbestos is mandatory for employees working in dangerous environments.
Consult Physicians: If there is any doubt of past exposure, a consulting physician can recommend regular health checkups for detecting any problems at an early stage.
Your Rights and Possible Settlements
Asbestos exposure could be responsible for mesothelioma; therefore lawsuits can be put up for compensation if diagnosed with it. Legal resources in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are available through which victims or their families can file lawsuits or access asbestos trust funds for financial assistance. Consulting experienced mesothelioma lawyers opens up further opportunities for rights and possibilities for adjustment if one or a loved one has been affected.
If you discover or disrupt a material that you suspect is potentially asbestos-containing, it must be tested professionally. Materials containing asbestos cannot be disturbed except by licensed asbestos abatement trainees. Professional sampling involves collecting samples of the materials analyzed in a laboratory.
If you can confirm that the material contains asbestos, then avoid any contact with the material and seek a licensed asbestos removal service to remove and dispose of the asbestos safely.
The best thing to do in such a situation would be to contact RidAway. It's an expert when it comes to dealing with asbestos. It is EPA-approved, state-licensed, and industry-certified and guarantees 100% asbestos removal.
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If asbestos insulation is removed, it will need to be replaced. Insulation replacement is usually expensive, but not with RidAway! Through our insulation Mass Save® partner, Neco, we'll take care of your asbestos insulation removal. For a limited time, we can insulate your home at 75-100% off the normal cost, giving you a safe, energy-efficient home that will continue to save you money in the form of lower energy bills for years to come. Our asbestos removal service will restore your home's health and keep your family safe.
