Winter Weather’s Bursting Pipes Bring Risk of Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

If your home or business has suffered water damage due to pipes freezing and bursting, there’s a good chance that the risk of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is not your top concern – but perhaps it should be. As frustrating and expensive as water damage can be, it is nothing compared to the issues brought on by breathing in asbestos fibers uncovered as a result of damage, demolition and renovations.

According to experts, many people who are dealing with winter weather damage are unaware that the initial emergency can lead to exposure to asbestos, which leads to a higher risk for mesothelioma. Homeowners and building managers  appropriately focus on fixing the structural damage that the season’s cold snaps have brought. They call their insurance companies, make appointments with contractors for repair quotes, and start hauling away damaged flooring, ceiling tiles and walls, completely unaware that there is a good chance that if their home or building was constructed prior to the 1980s, it was probably built using asbestos.

There is a high risk of asbestos exposure following any kind of emergency, and though studies have shown that the risk for mesothelioma is highest for those who have prolonged exposure to the material at high concentrations, it is also true that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. In order to protect yourself against risk, it is a good idea to leave demolition work to professionals. If there is a question about whether the water damage you’ve suffered has also exposed asbestos, bring in a licensed asbestos inspector and have them determine the level of risk, as well as the appropriate actions to take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

We tend to think of mesothelioma as a condition from the past, and assume that we and our loved ones are safe if we are not working with asbestos on a day-to-day basis, but asbestos remains in our environment in many hidden places, and still poses a threat. If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and diagnose with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today for more information. We can be reached at at 1-800-692-8608.