Fresh Concerns About Home Renovation Asbestos Exposure

The New York City attorneys at The Williams Law Firm, P.C., want to underscore that there are still dangers of asbestos exposure in homes that were built prior to the push for asbestos abatement in the 1970s.

Before that, asbestos was so common in consumer products and building materials that it remains a serious concern today in homes that were built more than about 40 years ago, especially when those homes are undergoing construction or renovations. Old asbestos products like flooring or pipe insulation may be relatively safe until those materials are disturbed or destroyed. That’s when asbestos fibers are released into the air, which creates a dangerous exposure situation for anyone breathing that air.

So this blog post is a warning for homeowners who are embracing the DIY (do-it-yourself) movement and doing their own renovations and improvements.

If your home renovation or improvement project entails demolishing any of the following building materials, call a professional asbestos abatement company or contractor before you begin:

• BLOWN-IN ATTIC INSULATION
• VINYL FLOOR TILES
• GLUE THAT ATTACHES FLOOR TILES TO CONCRETE OR WOOD
• SOME FORMS OF LINOLEUM
• WINDOW CAULKING AND GLAZING
• ROOFING MATERIAL (USUALLY ON FLAT ROOFS BUT OCCASIONALLY ON SHINGLES)
• HVAC DUCT INSULATION (USUALLY FOUND IN CORRUGATED OR FLAT PAPER FORM)
• SIDING MATERIAL
• PLASTER
• FIBER CEMENT SIDING
• CORRUGATED HEAVY-DUTY PANELS

Home improvement experts say the best thing to do with asbestos products that are still in good condition is to leave them alone. If any potential asbestos materials are cracking or crumbling, avoid touching it and stay out of that part of the house until a professional asbestos abatement company or contractor can survey the danger.

If you were exposed to asbestos and later developed cancer or mesothelioma, The Williams Law Firm, P.C., in New York City can help. Call us for a free case consultation when you need a New York City asbestos attorney: 855-575-MESO (6376).