During the asbestos peak in popularity, many everyday products used the carcinogenic fibers for its resistance to burning and other qualities. For example, a common use of asbestos was to decorate Christmas trees and ornaments. The fluffy texture of asbestos made it excellent for fake snow. We now know that handling asbestos unsafely can lead to mesothelioma, and this includes everyone exposed to the fake snow. Many vintage Christmas decorations still carry a risk of containing asbestos.
Possible Asbestos Risks in Your Home
Even if you do not own any vintage Christmas decorations, attics where decorations are often stored can pose a threat. Millions of American homes still contain Zonolite insulation, a brand known to contain fibers of asbestos. While the Zonolite attic insulation itself poses no risk if left undisturbed, movement while unpacking or storing holiday decorations can easily create tiny clouds of deadly asbestos fibers homeowners and their families may unknowingly inhale.
To minimize the risk of a holiday exposure, keep all decorations stored away from insulation and do your best not to disturb the insulation while moving decorations. Also, do not try to remove the insulation yourself. If you are concerned if the insulation in your home contains asbestos and needs removal, hire an asbestos removal company with knowledge in how to best minimize any risks of exposure.
What Are My Legal Options After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
A mesothelioma lawyer can educate you about your options in the event of a diagnosis. You must act quickly after a diagnosis, because there is a statute of limitations for mesothelioma victims to file for damages. Our New Orleans attorneys have provided legal services to mesothelioma victims in hundreds of cases. If you need advice about what to do next, call a mesothelioma lawyer in Louisiana who offers free case reviews at no obligation to file a claim.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C.– Louisiana Mesothelioma Attorneys
Source: http://survivingmesothelioma.com/avoid-mesothelioma-risk-when-storing-holiday-decorations/
Did You Know? 10,000 Americans will die this year of asbestos-related diseases (including lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer) and 200,000 are currently living with asbestosis.