Criminal Sanctions For Asbestos Violations

In the 1970s, the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, determined, following years of evidence pointing in that direction, that asbestos was harmful to the environment because it was very harmful to people. When this happened, the EPA also passed regulations pertaining to acceptable means of monitoring vermiculite mines for asbestos contamination and a variety of other rules. In addition to the EPA's rules, there are rules from other agencies of the federal and state governments that impose regulations on companies.

When a company violates the rules of the EPA, OSHA, or another organization, that company is likely to be fined damages and is then expected to clean up its act, literally. These fines, depending on the violation, can be quite hefty. The problems that the EPA or other group has with the company could require extremely costly changes to be made to the company.

While these fines are seen as sufficient punishment sometimes, there are other times when the EPA and OSHA are unable to determine exactly how much money the company owes the government and the area it polluted for the costs of cleanup and other dangers. In situations like this, the EPA or OSHA might ask the justice department to file charges against the company that grossly violated the rules of the regulatory agency. Some agencies are equipped with their own team of lawyers that can do the filing on their own. It usually varies based on the agency and the size of the problem.

Asbestos violations are a sort of violation that can result in criminal sanctions. This stuff is so deadly and harmful and difficult to get rid of that there have been instances where agencies have filed criminal sanctions against a company to punish it for polluting and endangering the lives of many. One such example is the lawsuit that is currently pending against the company that operated a vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. The company, according to the allegations, knew about the asbestos in the mine and apparently did nothing to help its employees stay protected from the harms.

As a result of the pollution of the city, more than 2,600 people have visited a clinic in the town devoted to asbestos-related diseases. The town's current population is only about 2,600 as it is. 

If a company has criminal sanctions imposed, the company, like any defendant, will likely ask for a plea bargain of some sort. This will allow the company to have some say in its fines and punishment rather than leaving things to the whim and caprice of a jury and judge.

Williams Kherkher is a Houston-based law firm that focuses on securing compensation for the victims of mesothelioma and asbestos.

Joseph Devine

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

The Best Asbestos Removal Techniques

Many homes were been built using asbestos, which was once quite popular due to its fibrous fireproof attributes, making it a very common choice for many homes built in the 19th century and even later. The only way to know whether your home was built using asbestos is to have a professional come in and test your home for its presence.

The problem with asbestos is that when it is disturbed, it becomes particularly dangerous. For this reason, if you unknowingly decided to tear down a wall in your home that was made using asbestos, the resulting dust and fumes from the wall could become very dangerous. Asbestos has been linked to cancers, heart problems and respiratory diseases.

Testing Your Home

Before you attempt any repairs on your home or tear down walls, you may want to consider hiring a certified inspector in order to test for the presence of asbestos in both your home and the outside of your home. Depending on the amount found, an inspector often then determines whether it is more hazardous to remove the asbestos or leave it in place.

There are special sealants today that can be used to seal an area where asbestos is detected, but defer to a professional to decide whether this option is safer than actually attempting to remove it. When asbestos is disturbed, the fibers released into the air are very hazardous and can make the home unlivable during the removal process.

During the Removal Process

If it is determined by a professional inspector that leaving the asbestos is more hazardous than removing it, the process to remove it begins. Professionals should remove the asbestos, as attempting to do so yourself could result in dangerous exposure that can later prove deadly. Normally, professionals will seal off an area that needs to have the asbestos removed, so that it does not contaminate the rest of the home.

The techniques to removing asbestos consist of wetting the area with a compound that binds to it so that it holds together during the removal process. This is important because if it is not bound together during removal, an asbestos dust results which is dangerous when breathed in. The way asbestos is often removed safely is when it is wet, sealed, bound together and placed in sealed containers.

The process to remove asbestos from homes is quite involved simply because of the dangers that occur when the asbestos is disturbed. It is therefore crucial that you have your home tested before you do any reworking of your home. This is especially essential if you have an older home.

Unfortunately, many people are paying the price with their health due to exposure to disturbed asbestos. While some people filed lawsuits and received compensation, this is only a small compensation because many can never regain their health. Making certain that your home is tested for the presence of asbestos before you undertake any projects involving the walls, ceilings, or flooring is truly a matter of life and death.

If you have been exposed to asbestos you may want to look into the possibility of a mesothelioma lawsuit to recover damages.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Justification For a Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuit Due to Asbestos Exposure

There has been much talk in the media that Mesothelioma Lawyers are taking advantage of people who are dying or already deceased due to Mesothelioma Cancer. While it is true some Mesothelioma cancer lawyers are making large sums of money in asbestos class action suits and lawsuits, these fees are justified, due to the large amount of time involved in research and in court proceedings.

It takes much time and research to prove that a company and or person was negligent, when employees have been subjected to asbestos exposure in the workplace for example. It is even more time consuming to provide evidence of environmental asbestos exposure such as the case of a demolition or reconstruction site, where asbestos contaminated debris can blow over an entire neighborhood. Therefore, from the point of view of time invested, the fees charged by mesothelioma asbestos lawyers are not out of line.

These mesothelioma lawyers are doing a service to all of the mesothelioma cancer victims and their families, that have been exposed to asbestos in a negligent manner. In addition, each new asbestos class action lawsuit adds more visibility to the problem of asbestos exposure. To this day, many people are not aware of these dangers, even though asbestos and mesothelioma cancer lawsuits have been filed many times since the first one in 1929, against asbestos manufacturers. The lawsuit settlements resulting from these large number of lawsuits has reached into the several billions of dollars. This has helped ease the financial pain endured by the victims and their families.

While these class action lawsuits are a drain on the court systems time and resources, they are successful in bringing some closure to the victims of mesothelioma cancer, as well as their families. At the same time, they maintain the focus of the press on the dangers of asbestos exposure. This will help keep the pressure on the governments of those countries that still have not banned the production of asbestos.

Until the entire world is asbestos manufacturing free, it will continue to be beneficial and justified for any Asbestos or Mesothelioma lawyer to proceed with a new cancer lawsuit whenever and wherever it is warranted.

Asbestos Lawsuit Information [http://www.asbestos-lawsuit-info.net] provides detailed information on Asbestos Lawsuit, Mesothelioma Lawsuit, Mesothelioma Lawsuit Attorneys, current and past Mesothelioma class actions,  and more. Asbestos Lawsuit Information [http://www.asbestos-lawsuit-info.net] is not affiliated with any law firms.

Asbestos Lawsuit Information provides detailed information on Asbestos Lawsuit, Mesothelioma Lawsuit, Mesothelioma Lawsuit Attorneys, current and past Mesothelioma class actions, and more. Asbestos Lawsuit Information is not affiliated with any law firms.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Interstitial Lung Disease and Asbestos

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a broad category that covers about 200 different lung disorders. Also called interstitial pulmonary fibrosis or just pulmonary fibrosis, these different ILDs are connected in that they are all initiated by an inflammation in the lungs. Asbestos is one such material that can start the irritation.

While ILD is nonmalignant and noninfectious, it is still a chronic disorder that can have lifelong repercussions on your body. Basically, an irritant causes inflammation in the lining of the lungs, called interstitium. Interstitium is the part of the lung tissue that protects the air sacs.

While the exact reaction causing the inflammation is unknown, there are several irritants that are thought to contribute to the disorder. The main cause is environmental pollutants, while drugs, radiation, and other diseases like sarcoidosis and collagen problems can also cause inflammation. Additionally, inhaling asbestos fibers has also been shown to cause interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

Asbestos fibers are used in a number of different products from clutch pads to ceiling tiles to fire doors. This is no surprise considering the benefits that come with utilizing this substance. Asbestos is part of the silicate family. As a silicate, this mineral is resistant to heat, flame, chemicals, electricity, and biodegradation. Also, asbestos itself is flexible and has high tensile strength, which allows it to be added to a number of other materials.

Asbestos in itself is not dangerous unless inhaled, ingested, or otherwise absorbed by the body. Although it is resistant to degradation, asbestos undergoes the natural wear-and-tear of age. As this process occurs, it breaks down into microscopic fibers that become airborne if stirred around. If you breathe them in, they can become lodged in the interstitium of your lungs.

Our bodies cannot break down asbestos. Thus, they remain stuck in the lining of the lungs, causing scarring. This scarring can spread into the alveoli, or the air sacs of the lungs. The alveoli are responsible for gathering oxygen to spread to the blood. Therefore, when they become damaged, they can lose their ability to transfer oxygen into your body, leaving you tired and out of breath.

ILD is not the only thing caused by asbestos. Exposure to the material can also contribute to cancers of the lung, throat, esophagus, gallbladder, and kidney, as well as cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural effusions. Some of these can prove to be deadly.

If you or someone you know has suffered from an asbestos-related disease, you should talk to a lawyer from Williams Kherkher about your rights. Williams Kherkher is a law firm that has asbestos attorneys who may be able to help you gain financial compensation for your suffering. For more information, check out Williams Kherkher today.

Joseph Devine

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Covering Asbestos Contaminated Floor Tiles

If you watch the news, you may have heard talk about asbestos toxins and how asbestos is linked to various forms of cancer. Many people have filed lawsuits over their exposure to asbestos toxins. If they are suffering ill health due to exposure, however, no amount of compensation can replace their quality of life.

If you have an older home or even one that was built in the 1980's, have the floors tested for the presence of asbestos before you begin pulling up tile in your kitchen or bathrooms. What most people do not realize is that asbestos may be harmful even if not disturbed.

It is, therefore, vital that you have your home tested for asbestos because removing asbestos is difficult and dangerous.

Should I Really Cover the Tiles?

If you want to upgrade your home and the tiles on your floor test positive for asbestos and they are tightly installed, but you want to upgrade your home, the best way to do this may be to cover the tiles. Why? As soon as you begin pulling up tiles that contain asbestos, you are putting yourself and family at risk of toxic exposure. To remove and replace the tiles, you should consult a professional.

As an example, if you have a 1950's home with a basement that has tile or vinyl flooring that tests positive for asbestos, but is in good shape, you may be able to cover the tile with carpeting. If the tile has not been disturbed since it was installed, there may not be a reason to disturb it.

It is Possible to Pull up the Tile Though, Right?

You can have a professional that is licensed to work with asbestos remove the tile, but it may be expensive because of the precautions that must be taken. Many professionals who can do the job will advise you to cover the floor rather than pull it up. The risk of removing a floor, asbestos is that you can expose your home to a toxin that can harm you and your family. If the tile is peeled up and in bad condition, there may be no choice but to remove the tile, but a professional that is licensed can advise you on your options.

Final Thoughts

Some people have a tendency to assume that if their tile tests positive for asbestos, then it must be removed at once. More research, however, is finding that leaving it alone and not disturbing it is sometimes safer than the possible health risks of exposing your family to the toxins.

If you have suffered side effects from asbestos exposure, you should consider filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Asbestos Exposure at Ground Zero

In September 2001, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in New York City. At the end, thousands of lives were lost when the towers collapsed rapidly. When the towers collapsed, they left nothing but rubble, debris, and dust. To respond to this disaster, rescue teams were quickly formed of policemen, firefighters, and volunteers that all worked to save as many lives as possible after the attacks. Unfortunately, while these individuals were behaving heroically, they were putting their own lives at risk due to the deadly toxins that were released into the air when the towers collapsed.

The Twin Towers and much of the World Trade Center was constructed at the close of the golden age of asbestos use. The original plans for the towers, drawn up by the New York Port Authority, called for the lower 40 floors of the buildings to be crafted using 5,000 tons of asbestos fireproofing. This was designed to help support the buildings. Fortunately, as the health hazards associated with asbestos became more widely known, the builders decided to construct the buildings using less asbestos than the initial plans needed. Once the buildings were finished, more than half of the asbestos that was originally used was replaced with safer materials.

When the towers collapsed, despite the removal of much of the asbestos in the buildings, thousands of people were still exposed to asbestos and other airborne toxins. The exposed people include those who survived the collapse, first responders, nearby residents, and even workers hired to help clean up the debris left behind. In addition, the fires burning at Ground Zero in the months after the initial collapse released thousands of heavy metals and carcinogens like barium, mercury, and asbestos into the atmosphere.

Following the attacks, countless people who were exposed to the pollution are suffering from symptoms of respiratory illnesses. These illnesses include difficulty breathing, coughing, asthma, and even lung cancer and mesothelioma. As the years have gone on, it has become increasingly obvious that more people than initially thought have been infected.

The New York State Department of Health released a study at the beginning of 2008 that detailed the health effects of being exposed to the toxins since 2001. Since the attacks, roughly 200 of those who were initially exposed to the pollutants at Ground Zero have died. Of the 200 people that have died, 55 of those workers were victims of lung cancer. In addition, a minimum of 62% of people exposed to the dust and debris after the attacks have reported trouble breathing and other respiratory complications.

For more information on asbestos and its dangers, please visit http://www.mesolawsuit.com.

Joseph Devine

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Uses of Asbestos

Throughout time, asbestos has been used in a variety of contexts. The fiber was originally used by the Greeks who loved it as a fire-proof table cloth that could be tossed in the fire for cleaning whenever it got dirty. Since then, the use of asbestos has expanded into a variety of areas. At the peak of its use and through the late 1980s, asbestos was used in more than 3,000 products in homes.

A large number of products using asbestos are used in construction products. Asbestos is used in various construction components because it is both fireproof and provides insulation. It is excellent for insulating against sound from other room as well as insulating against heat.

Some products in buildings that contain asbestos include:

- Floor tiles and sheet flooring

- Construction putties and mastics

- Decorative plaster or artex

- Acoustic plaster

- Textured paints

- Spray coatings

- Pipework lagging

- Water tanks

- Roofs, gutters, downpipes

- Wall panels

- Door linings

- Floors and walls

- Loft insulation

Asbestos is also used in a variety of industrial compounds and parts of cars. Brake pads, clutch cables, and a number of other items that are subject to heat in cars all have been known to include asbestos. Other items that include asbestos are:

- Lift shaft linings

- Soffits/fascia boards

- Brake linings

- Bituminous felts

- Fire safes/filing cabinets

- Thermal taping compounds

- Packing materials

- Ventilation system linings/laggings

- School blackboards

The prevalence of asbestos in such a wide variety of products that are used in such a wide variety of areas means that almost anyone can be at risk of exposure. Some of the most commonly affected individuals include contractors, car mechanics, shipworkers, firefighters, clean-up crews, and numerous other groups.

Due to the risk of asbestos, individuals should be careful to take any and all precautions possible for avoiding the inhalation of the deadly fiber. While the fiber has numerous uses in the construction and industrial world, it is deadly for human beings. So far, asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer, and asbestosis, a lung disease.

Asbestos fibers do not immediately trigger disease and cancer. It usually takes more than one exposure to the fiber to trigger or result in asbestosis or mesothelioma.

For more information on the uses of asbestos or the individuals at risk of exposure, please visit http://www.mesolawsuit.com.

Joseph Devine

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.