The home buying process is stressful, especially when you are looking at older homes. An older home has a lot of unique and charming qualities, but some are full of dangerous health hazards. You need to be careful when you are considering the purchase of an older home, as it could contain asbestos. Here are some things you need to know about asbestos, and what to do if you have been exposed.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a heat- and fire-resistant material that has been used in a number of construction and building industries. It works well to prevent fires in homes, which is why it was a popular choice before the 1960’s. Asbestos is typically found in the attic insulation, heating pipes, siding and roofing materials of the home. Some ceilings were made from asbestos, which most people call “popcorn ceilings.” The problem with asbestos is that it can lead to mesothelioma if the fibers are inhaled into the lungs.
Staying Away from Asbestos
If you are living in an older home, the best thing you can do is call a professional. They can examine the extent of the asbestos in the home and safely remove it. If you are buying a home with asbestos, you need to be aware of the hazards. Hiring a professional to examine the home before you purchase it is the best way to find out where the asbestos is and how much it will cost to remove it. While asbestos doesn’t pose a risk to your health when it is not disturbed, the worry is what happens when it cracks and the fibers are released into the air. Asbestos is often called the silent killer, as you cannot see the fibers when you inhale them and you normally do not develop symptoms for 20-30 years after being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
If you inhale any asbestos fibers, and you do develop mesothelioma, you do have legal rights. Get in touch with an attorney to find out what you can do, especially if you bought a home where the asbestos was not disclosed in the seller forms or caught by an inspector. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibers. There are differing forms of mesothelioma, which is why it is important to meet with a specialist to find out what type of mesothelioma you have and what treatments are available.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are four different types of mesothelioma. The most common will impact the lining of the lungs or the abdominal cavities where the fibers become lodged. Pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed 75% of the time. Peritoneal mesothelioma will occur 10-20% of the time, while pericardial and testicular mesotheliomas account for less than 1% of diagnoses. There is no cure for mesothelioma. There are only treatment options to decrease the aggressiveness of the cancer. Failure to diagnose the disease in an early stage can increase the likelihood that the cancer will spread to other areas of the body. It is important to meet with your doctor if you are concerned that you have been exposed to asbestos. Early treatment can make your living situation comfortable and can increase your lifespan. If you are considering buying an older home with asbestos, it is a wise decision to pass on it to save yourself from the risk of exposure and a life-threatening disease.
This article was written on behalf of Shrader & Associates, L.L.P., your number one choice when looking for representation for cases involving mesothelioma and asbestos. Check out their website today and see how they can help you!
