How the Asbestos in Old Buildings
Can Still Kill Us:
Most of us would think twice before walking into an asbestos manufacturing plant or an asbestos-riddled building without protective gear, however we can still easily face inadvertent asbestos exposure in our communities.
Older Buildings and Asbestos
Before the 1980's, most buildings in America had asbestos used in their construction. Most older buildings contain asbestos from HVAC systems to insulation, popcorn ceilings to plaster walls, and flooring. Now, strict regulations prevent new construction materials from having more than a small percentage of asbestos. But older buildings, particularly industrial buildings, already contain cancer-causing materials.Asbestos in an old building may not necessarily harm anyone. But when asbestos-containing materials break down, they can release asbestos fibers into the air we breathe and the water we drink. When renovating old buildings, contractors must avoid exposing workers and the community. But if a building burns or deteriorates, an entire community can face dangerous exposure and sky-high remediation costs. That’s what a neighborhood in Orange, Massachusetts, is experiencing.
Mill Fire in Orange, Massachusetts
In June of 2022, a fire at a long-abandoned mill left the small town of Orange with an asbestos-riddled pile of debris to handle. Three kids allegedly started the massive fire, which took more than 20 neighboring fire departments to contain. The demolished mill sits on the Miller River, and officials say the tiny town can’t afford the four-million-dollar price tag to clean everything up. In the meantime, the rubble poses a health risk to the community’s air and water. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, leading to mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other chronic health conditions.
Hire an Attorney Experienced in Asbestos Claims
If you have developed mesothelioma or another chronic illness after asbestos exposure at work or in the community, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys of Madeksho Law Firm have been helping victims of asbestos exposure since 1974. Find out how we can help you too. Call us at 1-888-910-6376 or contact us online. Your consultation is free, and you won’t pay a dime unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
