According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Florida was second in mesothelioma deaths in 1999. Over 163 reported cases of mesothelioma were reported in the state that year. Mesothelioma is a serious and fatal cancer that is directly caused by the building material asbestos. Each year, many individuals visit Florida attorneys in order to launch cases related to asbestos.
However, there are many things that can be done up front in order to avoid getting mesothelioma and in order to avoid having to see a Florida attorney to launch a lawsuit. There are a number of laws and regulations put in place by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration in order to make workplaces safe. Under these asbestos laws , asbestos exposure is limited to no more than 01. fibres per cubic centimetre for an eight-hour work day. These rules also limit asbestos exposure to one fibre per cubic centimetre in any thirty minute time frame. Being aware of these regulations and asking questions to ensure that your workplace adheres to these laws can be an important first step.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration also has rules that state that employers are required to regularly monitor the workplace environment and to provide employees with protective clothing and equipment, adequate hygiene facilities, medical exams, and training to help prevent mesothelioma. Ask your employer about steps being taken to protect your health in the workplace.
Keep in mind, too, that your place of work is not the only place where you may be exposed to asbestos. The building material was widely used in residential buildings before it was known that asbestos was carcinogenic. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you prevent mesothelioma by inspecting your home. Get an inspection of your property – especially if you live in an older home – and check roof shingles, insulation, flooring, and siding especially, as asbestos was most often used in these building products.
If your home does have asbestos, contact a good Florida attorney to discuss your legal options. Also, make sure that you get regular monitoring of your home, as deteriorating asbestos is the most dangerous. Do not attempt to remove any asbestos yourself, as this can expose you to harmful carcinogens. Contact an attorney and a qualified asbestos removal professional to find out how to safeguard your health.
The biggest risk with asbestos occurs when the asbestos fibres become airborne. Therefore, avoid scraping, sweeping, touching, hitting, sanding, drilling, or vacuuming any surface that may contain asbestos. Keep in mind, too, that your own health can determine how much of a risk asbestos poses. Smokers are 50 to 100 times more likely to suffer from mesothelioma or lung cancer, so get regular medical attention and help and avoid smoking to safeguard your lungs.