ASBESTOS. MESOTHELIOMA. OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE THROUGHOUT GEORGIA.

Why do older buildings pose a threat to workers’ health?

On Behalf of | Apr 18, 2022 | Asbestos, Mesothelioma |

Though certain hazardous building materials like asbestos ended up banned from building materials in 1989 across the country, this does not address the fact that any building older than this may still contain such dangerous materials.

Unfortunately, broken tiles or insulated pipes can easily release asbestos into the atmosphere of older buildings. This creates a hazard for anyone working in or even around these buildings.

What materials include asbestos?

The U.S. Department of Labor discusses threats to worker health that one can find in almost any older building. As mentioned, broken equipment, building components or tools made with asbestos can release asbestos into the air.  Airborn asbestos proves a major hazard to anyone who comes in contact with it.

Materials that included asbestos before 1989 include ceiling and floor tiles, roof shingles and cement. When a victim faces exposure over an extended period, it can result in disability, illness or even death. Unfortunately, it can take several years of exposure before signs begin to show, too, which makes diagnosis harder.

Continued exposure to airborn asbestos particles can lead to several major health issues, including problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer.

The severity of health issues

The severity of one’s injuries and health issues will often depend on the amount of asbestos inhaled and the length of exposure. For example, someone who suffers from exposure to large amounts of asbestos at once may end up with similar issues to someone who suffers from extended but minor exposure over years.

Sudden breathing troubles, especially for those who work in or around older buildings, should end up documented and watched as potentially the result of asbestos exposure.