Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral but that doesn’t mean that it’s safe to be around. If it’s breathed in, it can damage the lungs and other organs.
Asbestos was a popular building material in the past, but studies have shown that it can cause serious chronic illnesses or death. For that reason, Pennsylvania has important laws to protect workers and the public from exposure.
What diseases can be caused by asbestos exposure?
Some diseases or illnesses that can be caused by asbestos exposure include:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
and other health conditions not listed here. Fortunately, asbestos use is regulated at both the state and federal level, so the average worker or individual should not come into contact with it. By law, anyone who is working in an occupation that uses asbestos or exposes them to asbestos needs to be certified for the occupation by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
In those occupations, DEP requirements state that the training courses need to be accredited by them and must be certified annually. A written exam has to be passed before anyone can be certified to work with asbestos.
Those who may be exposed to asbestos as a part of the asbestos removal process must also be licensed by the DEP and have to let the department know when the project will begin.
Asbestos exposure is hazardous, and Pennsylvania takes its regulations seriously. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos as a result of poor working conditions or have developed an illness, you can reach out to your attorney for help.