Mobile Injury Attorney Warns of the Dangers of Asbestos in the Home

Feb. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- An approximate 10, 000 Americans die each year due to diseases caused by asbestos. In fact, the death rate for asbestos-related illnesses is approaching 30 Americans per day. The result is thousands of lawsuits each year filed against makers of asbestos materials which continue to sicken people in the United States. As any Mobile personal injury attorney will attest, it is vital that every person understands the health hazards related to asbestos.

Exposure

Exposure to asbestos has been proven to significantly increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other lung disorders. Studies have shown that the greater the exposure, the higher the risk. Asbestos fibers are inhaled and then become lodged in the lungs and can cause scarring and inflammation. Over time, this can lead to serious diseases or even death. Symptoms of asbestos related diseases usually appear 20 to 30 years after first exposure.

Where to Find Asbestos

While many asbestos-related cases are found in workers who were employed in industries where asbestos was commonly used, there are also a number of homes that have been built with materials containing asbestos. Building products manufactured today are free from asbestos. Homes built before the 1980s, however, may still contain building products and insulation that are made with asbestos. Common areas where asbestos may be found in older homes include:

Insulation on steam pipes, boilers, or heating duct work

Resilient floor tiles

Vinyl flooring

Insulation used around furnaces and stoves

Gaskets on furnaces and stoves

Roofing, shingles, and siding

Drywall compounds

Textured paints

Fortunately, even if these items contain asbestos, they only pose a health risk if their fibers are disturbed. In many cases, the best decision is to leave asbestos alone. If it has already been disturbed or is in poor condition, however, it must be removed by professionals trained to work with asbestos containing materials.

If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos and it has caused a serious or life-threatening health condition, it is important that you talk to a Mobile personal injury attorney right away to discuss your rights. Maloney-Frost, LLP is ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Visit http://www.maloney-frost.com/ for more information.

About The Law Offices of Maloney-Frost

Maloney-Frost, LLP is an Alabama law firm devoted to protecting accident victims' rights. The firm focuses on helping injury victims with all types of personal injuries due to motor vehicle, 18-wheeler, train, motorcycle, plane or boat accidents; DUI victims; defective products; drug recalls; medical malpractice; machine accidents; negligence; premises liability; slips and falls; nursing home abuse; wrongful death and other torts. Maloney-Frost, LLP will not represent insurance companies, but the office will represent individuals and businesses in matters relating to insurance claims, contract disputes, collections and consumer fraud. Interested clients can log on http://www.maloney-frost.com/ to learn more about the firm’s services.