Illegal Asbestos Dumping Poses Serious Risks

Illegally-dumped asbestos can contaminate the environment and imperil the health of anyone who happens upon it.

Asbestos, a carcinogenic substance used as a building material for decades during the 20^th Century, potentially endangers people’s health in homes, workplaces and other buildings across the South Florida area. While many people have understandably acted to eliminate this hazard from their residences and workplaces, they also need to worry about what happens to asbestos removed from structures, as asbestos removed from structures can endanger people’s health and contaminate the environment if not properly disposed of. Illegal asbestos dumping has put many people’s health in danger across the globe, including in locations across Florida, like Orlando, Tampa, Palm Beach, Jacksonville and Miami. People who want to have asbestos responsibly and professionally removed should only hire licensed asbestos abatement companies, such as companies licensed to perform asbestos abatement jacksonville work.

People across Florida should avoid unscrupulous asbestos removal businesses that try to cut corners when it comes to asbestos disposal or asbestos removal. The best companies in the industry will perform this precarious work with caution and due diligence, taking necessary precautions to protect their employees from asbestos exposure and avoid contaminating other surfaces with asbestos. Leading asbestos removal miami firms will properly deposit asbestos removed from job sites at sanctioned and designated locations, where it will not endanger public health or safety. Shady asbestos abatement firms may endanger the health of customers and others by not following proper protocols in the process of removing asbestos or disposing of asbestos.

People who encounter asbestos, whether from illegal dumping or other causes of exposure, may have increased chances of developing numerous health problems. Exposure to asbestos can result in respiratory problems if people inhale asbestos fibers. Inhalation of these fibers can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and other symptoms. Exposure to asbestos over a long period of time can result in serious diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Navy Veterans Among Many Affected by Exposure to Asbestos in South Florida

Those who served on Navy ships in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s may have been exposed to asbestos.

Due to its long latency period, many people exposed to asbestos do not experience symptoms until years or even decades after exposure. Those who worked in environments or conditions with asbestos may not come down with asbestos-linked diseases and conditions until after they retire. People who live in asbestos-laden homes in South Florida may not develop symptoms related to asbestos exposure until years or even decades after they lived in these homes. Veterans who served on Navy ships in the 1960s and 1970s may just now, or in recent years, start to feel sick because of their exposure. Sadly, people who live or work around asbestos often develop terrible respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma, a rare and often deadly form of cancer. Companies and residents can hire firms that offer asbestos testing south florida services to determine whether asbestos exists in houses, office buildings, apartment buildings and condominiums across the area.

As awareness about the harms associated with exposure to asbestos has grown, increasing numbers of people in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and other South Florida locations have sought to minimize the potential for developing asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis and cancer. Businesses that perform asbestos removal miami work have eliminated asbestos from locations such as courthouses, apartment buildings, hotels and condos. These asbestos abatement firms have helped to make public spaces, workplaces and homes across the region safer.

People who worked in various professions, including shipbuilding and in the armed forces, may have higher chances of developing asbestos-related illnesses and diseases. Veterans of the Navy who served aboard various ships or submarines may have had extensive exposure to asbestos, and may, unfortunately, develop mesothelioma, asbestosis or other conditions as a result. People who worked at various shipyards across the country likely came into contact with asbestos as well. Many people who worked in telecommunications, particularly those who installed cables and lines, have also developed diseases related to asbestos.

Proper Removal and Disposal of Asbestos in South Florida

Workers should wear protective suits and use extreme caution when removing asbestos or handling this toxic building material.

For good reasons, many property owners and homeowners across the South Florida area have concerns about the possible presence of asbestos in structures or soil on their properties. Asbestos can cause severe health complications for people who inadvertently breathe in or ingest asbestos fibers, especially for people who have prolonged exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can contribute to breathing difficulties in the short term, and long-term exposure can lead to an array of cancers and conditions like asbestosis and mesothelioma. From the Florida Keys to the Treasure Coast, people should seek out the services of licensed and professional asbestos removal firms to test for asbestos and properly eliminate the toxic building material. Accredited firms that offer asbestos remediation miami services, which require a state license, will remove asbestos from older buildings and construction sites the right way.

To ensure the safety of workers and neighboring properties, licensed asbestos removal firms take many precautions to excise asbestos from aging buildings and abandoned properties and dispose of it in the proper manner. These companies, including those that perform asbestos abatement fort lauderdale work, will make sure that their workers wear protective clothing to avoid contacting or inhaling asbestos fibers when they remove the substance from construction sites or buildings undergoing renovations or demolition. These companies will make sure they transport the asbestos to approved disposal sites and take measures to avoid contaminating other sites.

In past decades, especially in the second half of the last century, construction companies and home builders commonly used asbestos in the construction of houses, apartment buildings, stadiums, schools, office buildings, libraries, city halls, theaters, restaurants, condominiums and other structures. When it remains in stable condition, asbestos typically does not pose threats to people’s health.

However, when disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and endanger the health of people and pets. Common symptoms of asbestos exposure can cause shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, chest pain and other symptoms.