As of 1989, the use of asbestos in new items is illegal based on a ban set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Items created prior to 1989 can still use asbestos. One of the most common places asbestos was used was in materials to build houses. Asbestos can no longer be used in materials to build homes but it is still found in older homes across the country, even in Louisiana.
If you live in an older home, you might want to know where you should look for potential asbestos. If the home was built between the years of 1930 to 1950, it’s quite possible that it has asbestos insulation. You should have the home inspected to determine if this is the case.
Is there still a wood burning stove in your home? Asbestos could be present in the floors and walls around the stove. Items such as cement sheets, millboards and asbestos paper were used to protect the floors and walls around the stove when it was in use.
Siding and roofing shingles are known to have asbestos in them, especially if they were installed prior to the 1980s. If your siding has not been updated since then, it likely has asbestos in it. Removal of the siding will be a major project.
Older homes could have asbestos coatings on steam pipes and hot water pipes. If not coated with asbestos, these pipes could be wrapped in an asbestos tape or asbestos blanket.
Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma in New Orleans? An experienced attorney can provide more information regarding your situation to find out how you can seek compensation for your illness.
Source: Environment, Health and Safety Online, “Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found In The Home, When and How Should It be Removed?” accessed Jan. 5, 2018