One of the more common methods of disposing of asbestos is to bury it. This is a remediation option that the Environmental Protection Agency approves. While government regulators typically view this as a safe approach, there’s increasing evidence showing how risky it might be.
A paper published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters by an associate professor from Stanford University explains why it’s dangerous to bury asbestos.
Why is it dangerous to bury asbestos beneath the soil?
The burial of asbestos fibers in soil exposes the particles to dissolved organic matter. That exposure leads to a change in the electric charge on the mineral. It becomes less sticky, which makes it able to move easier through the soil.
The movement through the soil means that there could be asbestos in areas away from the known contaminated zone. People who walk through those areas or disturb the soil in any manner are at risk of inhaling the asbestos fibers. The fibers can attach to the lungs and cause mesothelioma once inhaled.
There’s also a chance that the asbestos fibers could infiltrate nearby water supplies. This could result in these particles reaching unsuspecting individuals who aren’t even aware of their asbestos exposure.
What to do if you have an asbestos-related illness
Mesothelioma is a rapidly spreading cancer that most commonly impacts the lungs. It sometimes takes years or decades to begin to cause symptoms. Once those symptoms, such as troubled breathing and chest pain manifest themselves, a patient’s health may deteriorate quickly.
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related condition may opt to pursue a claim for compensation. This can cover the expenses related to the disease so that the victim can enjoy time with their loved ones without being stressed about money.