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A recent study conducted by the University of California San Diego raises new questions about the efficacy of current asbestos remediation methods. The study tested the idea that asbestos piles buried underground remained in place once covered with soil. Capping asbestos waste with soil is the preferred method of disposal aimed at preventing exposure to humans. The study suggests this method is not altogether safe, as organic matter can cause asbestos to move to the surface.
Asbestos consists of naturally occurring microscopic fibers that, when inhaled, directly cause a host of serious lung and other respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are thinner than a human hair, and are usually inhaled without detection. Once inside the body, they become lodged in the linings of the internal organs, developing into mesothelioma years later.
For many years, asbestos was considered the most practical substance used in building materials because of its durability. The industrial and commercial use of asbestos was discontinued in the 1970’s when it was established that asbestos was toxic to humans. Asbestos is now classified as a human carcinogen. People can suffer health problems decades after exposure to asbestos.
Because of the extremely toxic quality of asbestos, its removal and disposal presents a unique problem. There are strict federal and state guidelines for the management of asbestos. Some more involved jobs may require a special license. The University of California study may compel the government and asbestos removal experts to question their current methods, and reconsider if there is a safer way to dispose of asbestos forever.
The harmful effects of asbestos exposure may take years, even decades, to show up. This makes it difficult to determine where exposure occurred, and who may be at fault. If you are suffering from mesothelioma, you need a team of qualified Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers to advocate for you. At Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler, we have worked with more than 10,000 victims of asbestos-related illnesses. Call our Philadelphia offices at 215-569-4000 or toll-free at 800-369-0899 or contact us online to discuss your case today. We serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania including Philadelphia County, Chester County, and Delaware County.