The Future of Asbestos Uncertain Under New Administration

Exposure to asbestos has been linked to numerous diseases.

Despite its widely accepted status as a deadly carcinogen and being outright banned by dozens of countries, asbestos remains legal in the United States, and this status may not change under the Trump Administration. President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, refused to commit to banning the substance during confirmation hearings.

Asbestos, once regularly used in the construction of houses, office buildings and other structures across the United States, including here in South Florida, can cause a number of diseases in people exposed to the substance. Health experts estimate that thousands of people die from asbestos-related diseases each year. The dangers associated with asbestos exposure have prompted many homeowners, businesses and government entities to hire environmental remediation companies to remove the material from buildings and structures throughout Southern Florida. People in places like Hollywood, Miami Beach, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton can hire licensed asbestos removal south florida companies to test for the presence of asbestos, and eliminate it.

Regardless of what political appointees may say about asbestos, medical professionals and health experts have long recognized the substance’s dangers. Exposure to asbestos, particularly long-term exposure, can cause cancers of the stomach and lungs, including a form of cancer only caused by asbestos called mesothelioma. Other health conditions tied to asbestos exposure include asbestosis, shortness of breath, lung cancer and other respiratory ailments. Firms that offer asbestos abatement broward services remove this dangerous building material from hospitals, apartment buildings, schools, courthouses, condominiums and other structures across Broward County.

Although previous presidential administrations took steps to phase out the use of asbestos, it remains to be seen whether the new administration will continue this trend. One would hope that common sense and public pressure will lead to the end of asbestos use in the near future.

Asbestos Exposure Remains a Potential Danger in Many Schools

Many Older Schools Contain Asbestos

Asbestos in schools puts teachers and students at risk of developing serious health problems down the road.

In many schools across South Florida, particularly schools built before 1980, asbestos lurks in ceilings, flooring, walls, insulation, ventilation and other areas of buildings, potentially exposing children, young adults and staff members to dangerous levels of harmful asbestos fibers. School administrators and school district employees can bring in licensed and leading asbestos removal south florida companies to assess the threat of asbestos exposure and safely remove this dangerous compound from school buildings and classrooms when necessary. The federal Environmental Protection Agency requires public schools and private schools to undergo asbestos inspections every three years.

Public and private high schools, middle schools, elementary schools and pre-schools in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens and other nearby municipalities can rely upon the services of asbestos abatement palm beach firms to test for the presence of asbestos and eliminate it as needed to keep students, staff, administrators and teachers safe. Asbestos testing and asbestos removal become crucial in the event of building demolitions and renovations, which can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne, endangering the health of people in the area.

Schools Need to Test Asbestos Every 3 Years

Schools, colleges, universities and community colleges should regularly test for the presence of asbestos and other harmful substances, including mold and lead, to ensure the safety of pupils, administrators, staff and educators. A safe and sanitary learning environment benefits all parties. Taking precautions such as mold remediation, lead testing and asbestos abatement can lead to fewer illnesses and absences for students and teachers alike, and may improve academic performance. Exposure to asbestos can result in serious illnesses and medical conditions later in life, such as mesothelioma and other types of cancer.

Many teachers have faced high risks of asbestos exposure working in aging schools for decades, and, as a result, teachers have experienced higher rates of mesothelioma than the general population.

Palm Beach County Ranks High in Asbestos-Related Deaths

With its many retirees, Florida leads the way in asbestos-related deaths.

A report last year listed Palm Beach County's asbestos-related death rate the highest in the state. Although the county did not earn this dubious distinction through negligence, wrongdoing or anything else negative, the report, by EWG Action Fund, reminds us of the ever-present danger of asbestos in our homes, in public buildings and in other structures. The County likely has such a high death rate from asbestos-related ailments due to the large number of retirees who relocate to the area. Residents in the locations like West Palm Beach, Wellington, the Acreage, Royal Palm Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton may want to consider hiring asbestos abatement palm beach companies to inspect their properties and homes for the presence of asbestos.

Asbestos removal south florida businesses specialize in identifying asbestos in roofing, drywall, flooring, insulation and other building components and eliminating this health risk. These companies securely and swiftly rid people's homes and workplaces of asbestos, helping customers feel relieved and safe again. Do some background research on asbestos abatement businesses before you hire one to make sure it's licensed, insured and reputable.

Asbestos, a highly durable and toxic fiber once commonly used in many industries and building trades, often causes health problems years or decades after a person has inhaled or ingested it. Workers who worked in shipbuilding, industrial construction, insulation and roofing among other trades may have greater risks of developing asbestos-related health conditions like asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Military veterans often have greater risks of developing these conditions as well.