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.

Before Renovating a Home in South Florida, Have It Tested for Asbestos

Home renovations may expose workers to asbestos.

Older homes often make great candidates for renovations and rebuilds. Many custom home builders purchase older homes that have fallen into disrepair or foreclosure, then demolish the existing structures or extensively renovate them. Likewise, house-flippers and investors may try to spruce up older homes. For safety, these companies and individuals should hire leading asbestos abatement south florida firms to test the structures for asbestos and to eliminate the substance if discovered, as many older houses contain asbestos in flooring, walls, roofing, ventilation and other areas. This asbestos could pose serious dangers to the health of those people working on the renovations and demolitions if disturbed.

In cities across South Florida such as West Palm Beach, companies offer asbestos testing and asbestos remediation services for commercial clients and residential customers alike. Construction companies, property managers, homebuyers and homeowners can search for businesses that perform asbestos removal west palm beach services by going on search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing. Before hiring such a firm to remove asbestos from a house, apartment building, townhouse or other structure, check to see if the company has a current license to perform the work. The state licenses companies in the asbestos abatement industry.

Asbestos fibers become particularly hazardous when they get dislodged and become airborne. People working on a structure may unknowingly ingest or inhale these unseen fibers, leading to severe and even potentially fatal health problems years or decades later. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, among other conditions.  

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.