Did you know that asbestos is all around us? After being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, many individuals question where their exposure took place.
At Home
Up until the late 1970s, asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as ceiling tiles, roofing materials, insulation, and more. Not only was asbestos affordable, it was considered to make homes safer because it was fire-resistant. Many construction workers handled the substance building homes, and homeowners today risk exposure if living in a home built before 1990.
At Work
There are numerous blue-collar trades in which the risk for asbestos exposure is present. Many workers, including auto mechanics, plumbers, and more, were exposed to asbestos on the job before 1978. Today, asbestos is still present in older products handled by workers. Even teachers are at risk for exposure if they work in an older school building, as it was likely to have been constructed with asbestos materials.
In the Military
Asbestos was used extensively within all branches of the United States Military. Military personnel are especially at risk for asbestos-related diseases due to exposure during their time of service. The substance was used an nearly every Navy ship built between 1930 and 1978, while Army vehicles and Air Force planes also contain the substance. Mechanics who work on these vehicles and vessels are especially at risk for past exposure.
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Asbestos exposure can happen in a lot of places. It is important to note that asbestos is not necessarily dangerous unless products or materials containing the substance are breaking down or deteriorating. Once asbestos fibers are released into the air, they become a serious hazard to those present.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease due to exposure in any of these places, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced asbestos attorney. They can help determine if you are entitled to compensation for your condition.