The recent destruction caused by the spring tornadoes throughout the Midwest and the South poses a risk of exposure to environmental toxins like asbestos.
Asbestos was commonly used in buildings until the mid-80’s because of its fire retardant properties. The carcinogen was used as insulation in walls, roofs and plumbing. Many buildings still contain the mineral and pose little risk if undisturbed but the tornadoes which destroyed thousands of structures and took numerous lives may have disturbed the asbestos and clean-up crews could come into contact with the material. The diligence of mesothelioma lawyers has led to an awareness of the dangers of asbestos.
Asbestos has been known to cause mesothelioma and other pulmonary diseases. Mesothelioma affects the lining of crucial internal organ such as the lungs and heart, and requires costly medical care for which a mesothelioma attorney can obtain much needed funds for those affected.
The EPA is monitoring the air quality in Joplin Missouri, the state hit hardest by this spring’s rash of tornadoes. They are also providing masks and guidelines for the massive clean-up. Anyone who sees a cloud of dust coming towards them is encouraged to take precautions to avoid inhaling any potential asbestos fibers. Thus far the air quality in Joplin is safe for clean-up crews.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that eventually becomes fatal. In order to afford the necessary treatment a mesothelioma lawyer can fight for victims of the mesothelioma in a court to obtain a just settlement from companies who negligently use asbestos.
