Until the 1970s, building companies in Pennsylvania frequently used asbestos in homes and buildings. The substance was banned in the 70s due to negative health effects, but some older homes and businesses still have asbestos in the walls. If your house was built several decades ago, you might want to contact someone about asbestos removal.
How can you identify asbestos in your home?
Over time, asbestos exposure can cause cancer, breathing problems and other health issues. If you suspect that you have asbestos in your home, it’s important to identify and remove it as soon as possible. Keep an eye on potentially affected areas for any tears or water damage. When you see signs of damage, avoid disturbing the area and call a professional as soon as possible.
An inspector could evaluate the area and determine whether your house contains asbestos. If it does, you can call a contractor to have the asbestos removed. You should never attempt to remove the substance yourself because you might contaminate your house with asbestos fibers. Once a contractor has safely removed the asbestos, an inspector can take samples inside your house to ensure that the air is free of fibers.
Many people are exposed to asbestos for years and have no idea until they start developing health issues. If you’re suffering from an asbestos-related disease, consider hiring an asbestos exposure attorney.
How could an attorney help you if you’ve been exposed to asbestos?
Experts have known for decades that asbestos is harmful to your health. If you were exposed to asbestos and developed health issues as a result, you might be entitled to compensation. An attorney could help you file a claim and sue the responsible party for damages related to your emotional suffering, lost income, medical bills and even the death of a loved one.