Asbestos can Contaminate Soil, Endangering People in Affected Areas

Soil contaminated with asbestos poses serious dangers to people's health.

In numerous cases, across South Florida and around the world, asbestos remediation companies have had to extract asbestos from contaminated grounds. Asbestos, a well-known carcinogen that occurs naturally in certain locations, became a heavily-used building material during the 20^th Century because of its resistance to fire, sound-proofing characteristics and insulation properties. Numerous industries also used asbestos. However, years or even decades later, asbestos in the environment can put people’s health at risk. In some locations, asbestos in the soil can make potential building sites unsuitable and unsafe for development. Prior to developing properties, general contractors should have the grounds tested for asbestos. Businesses that perform asbestos removal miami work can eliminate asbestos from construction sites across Miami-Dade County, including locations like North Miami, Hialeah, Little Havana, Doral, Coral Gables, Miami Beach and Homestead.

Previous industries and activities, including mining and manufacturing as well as illegal dumping, can render lands in Palm Beach County and beyond unsafe due to asbestos contamination. Top asbestos abatement palm beach firms can clean up contaminated sites in locations like the Acreage, Greenacres, Boca Raton, Wellington, West Palm Beach and Lake Worth, getting rid of asbestos in the ground and in the water. Property owners can hire state-licensed and insured asbestos remediation firms to test for the presence of asbestos in dirt and bodies of water on their properties.

Asbestos exposure, especially over long periods of time, can cause permanent damage to people’s lungs and other organs, and lead to life-threatening health conditions like mesothelioma and stomach cancer. The substance becomes especially dangerous when its microscopic fibers get inhaled or ingested by unsuspecting victims. Children who play outdoors in contaminated areas may get exposed to asbestos, leading to health problems years or even decades after exposure. Other health problems associated with asbestos exposure include asbestosis, wheezing and lung cancer.

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.