Renovation Risks: Asbestos The Ticking Time Bomb

First things first lets get the facts straight there is no such thing as safe asbestos! Some people would have you believe that so-called white asbestos won’t kill you, and instead it’s the nasty brown and blue asbestos that will. It’s not true. While white asbestos may be slightly less nasty than the brown and blue stuff, it will cause just the same cancers if it is inhaled. Once you've been exposed to asbestos it acts like a ticking time bomb in your chest. Here is one such person's story:

"My name is Katherine Keys and I have been fighting mesothelioma cancer for the past 9 years. If you don’t know, mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. My exposure came from doing years of wiring work for Texas Power and Light Company.

At the age of 49 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Pleural Mesothelioma and was told I had less than two years to live. But I was determined to stay positive and beat this cancer against all odds! My treatment included having my right lung and the lining of the lung removed--a major surgical procedure. Soon after, I began several months of radiation therapy.

 

I am overjoyed to say that my fight paid off and now 9 years later I am still cancer free! But I know I did not face this battle alone. The doctors and staff at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center are true miracle workers and I am forever grateful to them.

I was also helped greatly by the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma Lawyer Center. Not only did they help me obtain financial compensation which helped with my treatments and quality of life, they genuinely care about my well-being. I am proud to call them my friends and they continue to stand by my side as I fight mesothelioma.

Tragically, many men and women who are deemed "expendable" by asbestos companies do not even know about their legal options. These legal options available to asbestos victims are of the utmost importance, so that victims and their families can pay for medical expenses and receive compensation for the pain and suffering they endure.

I feel it is my duty to give back to the community--to let people with asbestos diseases know they are not alone. There is help available!"  - Katherine Keys

So what is asbestos exactly? It's a naturally occurring fibrous material that was a popular building material from the 1950s to 1990s. It was used extensively because it is an insulator, has good fire protection properties, has tensile strength, and is resistant to chemical erosion. Asbestos is "wonderful stuff" from a construction perspective and many homes built before 1980 contain asbestos in old floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roof shingles and flashing, siding, insulation (around boilers, ducts, pipes, sheeting, fireplaces), pipe cement, and joint compound used on seams between pieces of drywall. Even some newer houses may contain asbestos. For more info on where to find asbestos in your home follow this link Is-Asbestos-Lurking-In-Your-Home?

OK so you think there may be asbestos in your home, don’t panic! Generally, asbestos-containing material that is in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. Asbestos-containing materials release fibers that can be inhaled when they are disturbed, damaged, removed improperly, repaired, cut, torn, sanded, sawed, drilled or scraped. Keep an eye on possible asbestos-containing materials and visually check them over time for signs of wear or damage. If you do decide to remodel or conduct repairs an area of you home that may have asbestos get it tested first! There are asbestos test kits available at your local hardware store always be safe and know what your working with. If your asbestos test comes back positive consider hiring a certified professional to do the work and don't put you or your family at risk!

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