Chicago Asbestos Lawyer - Article

The Dangers of Asbestos

Everyone has heard of asbestos by now, due to the claims filed by injured workers and the frightening news stories about cancer and other diseases. However, many people still do not know many facts about this dangerous substance. This article will outline the harmful effects asbestos can have and what you should do if you discover asbestos in your home or place of work.

Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a material made of long, thin fibers. Because it is very resistant to fire, it was once popular for insulating buildings and strengthening materials to make sturdier products. In the 1980s, researchers finally began to notice a downside to asbestos: when particles of this substance are inhaled, the lungs can suffer lasting, sometimes deadly damage.

Illnesses that have been linked to asbestos exposure include:

• Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung’s outer lining
• Asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that causes difficulty with breathing
• Pleural plaques, thickened areas that form on lungs and interfere with breathing
• Asbestos warts, skin growths that can form when asbestos pierces the skin

Unfortunately, some products and buildings, particularly those made in the 1930s, might still contain asbestos. Anyone who knows about this toxic substance’s effects will surely be concerned about that.

What to Do if You Find Asbestos

There is no way for a layman to identify this material. If you suspect you have found some in your home, remember that it’s only asbestos particles released into the air that damage lungs. If the potential asbestos is in good condition, leave it alone or contact a professional about having it removed.

If a product that may contain asbestos is chipped or flaking, do not approach it without proper safety equipment. Again, you may want to contact a professional to have it evaluated and removed.

If you have been sold or leased property containing asbestos, you may have grounds for a premises liability suit. Contact Chicago asbestos premises liability attorneys Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200 to schedule a consultation.