Chicago, IL-Majority of homeowners across the United States are not aware that their home may contain a potentially lethal cancer-causing agent called Asbestos, and may unknowingly expose themselves to the dangers that the fibrous minerals pose. Although most products used for building materials in homes today do not contain asbestos, up until the 1970's, numerous types of building products and insulation were used in homes that contain asbestos.
The list of common products in your household that may contain asbestos, include:
- Any steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts that are insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape.
- Resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing of vinyl sheet flooring, and floor tile adhesives used for installation purposes.
- Cement sheet, millboard, and paper, which were used as insulation around furnaces and wood burning stoves.
- Door gaskets in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves.
- Soundproofing or decorative material that was sprayed on walls and ceilings.
- Joint compounds and patching used for walls and ceilings.
- Asbestos cement roofing, shingles, and siding.
- Artificial ashes and embers used in gas-fired fireplaces
- Fireproof gloves, stovetop pads, ironing board covers, and certain hairdryers.
- Automobile brake pads and lining, clutch facings, and gaskets.
- Attic insulation that was produced using vermiculite ore.
Houses that were built from 1930 until the 1970's when asbestos-containing materials were outlawed are at the highest risk of having the hazardous materials within your home. If you think you have asbestos in your home, you should immediately contact a licensed asbestos contractor or consultant; in addition to your local health and environmental officials to determine your risk and what is the best way to handle the materials. Until the issue is resolved, limit access to areas in which disturbed asbestos are located. Do not remove the materials yourself. Exposure to asbestos can lead to the formation of a vicious and fatal form of cancer known as Mesothelioma, and other asbestos illnesses like asbestosis.
News article by Asbestos Mesothelioma litigation attorneys: Cooney & Conway.
120 N Lasalle Street - Suite 3000 Chicago, IL 60602-2415
Toll Free: (888) 651-1850 http://www.cooneyconway.com/
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