Asbestosis Law Careers

Asbestos, a mineral fiber that was once the material of choice for insulation in the construction of buildings because of its heat-resistant properties, has been linked to a variety of health concerns, including cancer. These findings have resulted in a large number of lawsuits by patients who believe that they or their family members were sickened because of asbestos exposure. These lawsuits have led to an increased demand for professionals in the legal field.

Civil Attorneys

The number of civil cases filed against construction companies and the companies who produced and sold asbestos products has led to a rise in demand for attorneys who practice the field of civil litigation. Attorneys who are skilled in the fields of personal injury and tort law are needed to represent both sides of an asbestos case. The petitioner needs an attorney who is well-versed in civil law to ensure that their rights as victims are represented, while the defendants in asbestos- related lawsuits depend on skilled defense attorneys to ensure that they are not held accountable for issues that are beyond their control. In order to practice law in any state in the U.S., a license to practice law must be obtained by passing an extensive law exam called the bar. These exams are typically given after several years of specialized legal education obtained through an accredited law school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2008, the median salary for an attorney in the US was $110,590 per year.

Paralegal

Paralegals, also commonly referred to as legal assistants, are vital parts of a legal team who assist attorneys with various aspects in regards to legal proceedings. Paralegals are skilled professionals who are educated in the field of law, but who are not licensed to provide legal advice or representation. Attorneys who represent asbestos victims or their family matters, as well as attorneys who represent defendants in asbestos cases rely heavily on paralegals to perform a number of issues related to the case including interviewing and preparing witnesses, drafting petitions and assisting in the drafting of legal arguments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May, 2008, the median salary for a paralegal was $46,120. Most attorneys require applicants who wish to apply for a position with their practice as a paralegal to hold a degree or certificate in paralegal studies

Legal Nurse Consultant

Legal Nurse Consultants are highly-skilled professionals who hold degrees in nursing and who have been educated in the legal field. Most Legal Nurse Consultants hold degrees as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner. Legal Nurse Consultants provide valuable assistance to the attorneys that represent patients or family members of victims of asbestos exposure by analyzing the medical aspects of the case and rendering their professional opinions in regards to the facts. According to research published by Payscale, the median salary for Legal Nurse Consultants as of August 2010, was $85,000 per year.

Regulations for Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is used widely in the construction, mining, automotive and electrical industries. Along with its use came health complications that went unnoticed for nearly two decades. Once these conditions began to emerge, government regulations were put in place to protect workers from exposure and offer the medical care that those with illnesses needed. These regulations have changed over time, and offered employees better protection in the dangerous industries in which they work.

Asbestos Catagories

Asbestos falls into two main categories, serpentine and amphibole. Serpentine asbestos is a fiber that has a long wavy appearance, usually very snake-like. It is more likely to break into long thin pieces. Nearly 90 percent of asbestos is serpentine asbestos. Amphibole asbestos, on the other hand, is composed of fibers that are straight and long. This category includes amosite (brown), crocidlite (blue), anthophyllite and actinole asbestos. Both of these categories of asbestos are harmful when inhaled.

Types

While asbestos fits into two categories, serpentine asbestos breaks into two further types, bonded and frible. Frible asbestos is in the form of powder, or can be easily crushed or crumbled into powder by hand when it is dry. This powder makes it much easier to inhale, causing future health problems.

Bonded asbestos is difficult to damage by hand and most generally is found as asbestos cement sheets, in roof tiles and vinyl flooring. Bonded asbestos is also popular in electrical components as it has a hardening effect.

Function

Asbestos is most often found in construction or electrical work, causing a threat to workers. The most common locations for asbestos of both categories are in thermal insulation that wraps around boilers and heating pipes. Construction materials such as cement sheeting, roofing felt and vinyl flooring are common uses of asbestos.

With the increase in high rise building, asbestos has been used as a fire retardant between floors and in fire doors as well as used in schools and hospitals as acoustic insulation between floors. Most household exposure comes from paints, sealers and coatings as well as vehicle brake linings clutch plates and home vehicle maintenance.

First Regulations

Asbestos was widely used in the 50's, 60's and 70's. By the 70's the ill effects of asbestos were starting to emerge, and standards were needed. In 1972, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) first set a standard. This was measured by acquiring air samples from the working environment. The first regulated permissible exposure limit (PEL) was issued at two fibers per cubic centimeter of air in an eight-hour period. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), constant air monitoring and employee training was also enacted at this time.

In the 80's, it was clear that this measure had not been enough. Further study was completed by OSHA and a new standard was set. Air quality had to be increased and exposure limited to .2 fibers per cubic centimenter of air in an eight-hour period. Included in this revision was an increase in specific PPE's, engineering controls and strict regulated areas of use.

Improved Regualtions

In 1989, OSHA banned all new uses of asbestos, although those in use before that time could continue. The asbestos standards, know as a General Duty Clause were to see another revision soon afterward. In the 90's, OSHA again after continued study revisited the asbestos regulations. The PEL was lowered to .1, rather than the .2 of a decade earlier. Other regulations were kept in place, such as PPE, engineering controls and specific training for employees.

Added to the engineering controls were administrative actions that would help reduce the exposure for employees. These actions limited workers exposure time and provided showers for workers. Adding vents to the workplace and isolating the affected areas also assisted in controlling the workers environment and making it safer.

Asbestos is a widely used

Asbestos is a widely used material for building construction, but its microscopic fibers are hazardous to human health. Asbestos exposure has been associated with several diseases of the lungs, including a rare form of lung cancer. Since 1992, the Texas Department of Health has legally regulated asbestos-containing materials, and their removal.

Scope of laws

The Texas asbestos laws apply to "all buildings which are subject to public occupancy, or to which the general public has access," as well as to all individuals involved in work that may disturb or remove asbestos-containing building material (ACBM).

Prior notification by building owners

Building proprietors must inform, in writing or documented oral communication, anyone performing maintenance or demolition work of the presence and location of asbestos-containing materials before starting any asbestos-related building work.

Licensing requirements

Individuals engaged in asbestos-related work must be officially licensed by the state. The law also requires any licensed worker to keep his license on his person while performing asbestos-related work, and to display it on request to employers or officials from the Texas State Department of Health.

Exclusion for private residences and apartment buildings

Private residences and apartment buildings with four or fewer units are excluded from state asbestos rules.

Right of inspection and investigation

The Texas Department of Health retains the right to inspect or investigate any individual working on asbestos-abatement projects. State inspectors are not required to give advance notice or get the permission of workers at an asbestos site.

Abatement practices and procedures

Certain practices are established for asbestos-abatement work. Asbestos-contaminated areas must be separated by "impermeable barriers" and all openings to adjacent areas be sealed. Movable objects must be removed to a separate area. A sealed, secure worker decontamination room, "consisting of a clean room, shower room, and equipment room" is to be constructed. Prior to being removed from the site, extracted ACBM must be wetted and fully encapsulated to prevent any possible escape of asbestos fibers..

Remove Asbestos Flooring Adhesive

asbestos adhesive

Asbestos adhesive was used for asphalt flooring tiles and vinyl or linoleum sheet tile because it strengthened the flooring and made it more durable. It was also resistant to moisture, oil grease heat alkalis and acids. But then asbestos was found to be a health hazard. Newly laid floors with asbestos adhesives are not hazardous, but as water and/or weathering weakens the floors the asbestos crumbles and fibers are released in the air. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause mesathelioma cancer, and environmental experts and health professionals warn against the usage of asbestos adhesives for flooring.

How to Remove Asbestos Flooring Adhesive

Prepare the floor for removing asbestos adhesive. Switch off all heating and air-conditioning appliances that will aid air circulation. Cover all vents and openings with polythene sheets and secure with duct tape. Seal all small ducts fissures or openings with duct tape. Cover doorways with polythene sheeting. Experts recommend that the floor should be flooded with warm water for two days for optimum effects. This is because wet asbestos adhesive will not release unhealthy fibers into the air. If a two-day flooding is difficult a 30 minute flooding will do the job.

Wear a disposable work suit, gloves, boots, and eye protection. Also, be armed with heavy-duty polythene bags and duct tape and tools will help keep you safe from inhaling asbestos fibers. Take the mop, disposal towels, chemical solvent and scraper with you for the job. Check with the manufacturer if the chemical solvent you plan on using will work on asbestos adhesive. The chemical solvent should not be abrasive because any abrasive action will throw asbestos fibers into the air.

Apply the chemical solvent or amended water gently as required to the asbestos adhesive. Gentle rubbing with disposable towels or mopping should easily clean away the wet adhesive. Stubborn spots should be removed with gentle scraping. Do not grind or sand the adhesive because these actions release the asbestos fibers into the air.

Clean up and dispose of the asbestos. Cleaning up is the most important and difficult part in removing asbestos adhesive from the floor. Wipe all surfaces with a damp disposable towel. Rinse the cloth or towel and change the water at least twice. Wipe all the polythene sheeting where asbestos fibers could have settled. Put all the polythene sheets in heavy-duty waste bags and seal them with duct tape. Put the mop heads and disposable towels in disposable bags and seal them with tape. Inspect all surfaces for dust and wipe with damp disposable towel to get rid of any asbestos fiber deposit. Wash all the tools thoroughly. Wash any exposed skin thoroughly.

Clean and put disposable work suit in waste bag and seal. Wipe all other clothing with damp towel put all used towels in waste bag and seal. Take a shower to remove any possible fiber on your body.

Dispose of all waste. Disposing of the waste bags is the final part of removing asbestos flooring adhesives. The local EPA office will guide you about disposing the waste bags. You can either dispose of them at landfills that accept asbestos waste or you can inform your local waste hauler for a special waste pickup. There are also licensed contractors who will take asbestos waste for disposal.

Asbestos ceiling tiles

Asbestos ceiling tiles

Asbestos ceiling tiles were commonly used in homes and buildings before the 1970s. Asbestos is a fiber that was once used in "acoustic" ceilings which were also called "drop" or "suspended" ceilings. Before the carcinogenic affects of asbestos were known; many people were unfortunately exposed to these fibers since they were often used in numerous different materials including roofing and ceiling products.

Asbestos is only dangerous if the material is airborne; therefore, contaminated ceiling tiles are only harmful if damaged. If you would like to remove these tiles from your ceiling, it is best to have a licensed contractor complete the job for you. If you decide to remove the tiles yourself, you will need to proceed with extreme care and caution.

How to remove asbestos ceiling tiles

1. To remove asbestos ceiling tiles, you will first need to dress properly. Wear a tyvek suit, safety glasses, and an approved respirator. This protective clothing can be purchased either online or at a local store. You don't want any asbestos contaminated materials to get on your skin, in your eyes, or into your lungs. 
2. Turn off any heating and air circulation systems to avoid the chances of any asbestos in the ceiling tiles from becoming airborne. 
3. Place a tarp directly underneath where you will be working and set up a ladder. 
4. Add 2 teaspoons of dishwasher detergent to 1 gallon of water. Pour some of this mixture into a spray bottle and start by spraying one of the asbestos ceiling tiles with this detergent water. This will help to keep the fibers from becoming airborne if you were to break any of the tiles. 
5. Carefully remove the ceiling tiles one by one. You will need to avoid breaking or tearing the tile since this can cause the asbestos to become airborne. As you remove each tile, place them directly into a yellow asbestos bag. Once the bag is full of tiles, seal it completely with duct tape and then place it into a 6 mil polyethylene bag. 
6. Once you've finished removing the tiles, place the tarp from under your project into one of the asbestos bags to be disposed of. 
7. Properly dispose of the asbestos ceiling tiles by following the regulations set by your state.

Seal The Asbestos Tiles

Asbestos Tiles

If you have an older home, your old tile flooring may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a tough, durable fiber known to cause a variety of respiratory ailments and diseases such as cancer. Floor remodeling jobs in the home may require a professional asbestos removal company if the asbestos-based tile is chipped, crumbling or otherwise damaged. However, if it is intact, you can seal the tiles yourself to prevent future asbestos exposure. After sealing the asbestos tiles, you can install a new floor on top of the old one.

How to Seal Asbestos Tiles

1. Use the hammer and pry bar to remove the baseboards along the floor in the area that has the asbestos tile. Pry the baseboards away from the wall gently to prevent splintering so you can use them again. Removing the boards allows better application of the embossing leveler. 
2.  Prepare the asbestos tile flooring by wet mopping it to ensure all dirt and debris is removed. If there are any oily areas, use a degreasing cleanser on the floor then rinse with water. Allow the floor to dry slightly, until just moist to the touch. 
3. Mix the embossing leveler (purchased at most paint, flooring or hardware stores) with water, according to manufacturer's instructions in one of the large buckets. Use the wood paint stirrer stick to mix the leveler compound to a smooth consistency. 
4. Fill remaining bucket with water. This water bucket will serve as a rinsing receptacle for the metal trowel during the leveler compound application process. 
5. Pour the mixed embossing leveler compound on the asbestos tile flooring. 
6. Use the metal trowel to smooth the leveler compound across the asbestos floor tile. You have a short amount of time to work with the embossing leveler before it starts to set or cure, so trowel quickly. You want this underlayment to form a thin, level layer over the tile, creating a sealed surface in which no asbestos fibers can escape. 
7. Rinse the metal trowel in the water bucket every few minutes to prevent a buildup of the leveler compound on the metal surface 
8. Allow the embossing leveler compound to dry for at least two hours. Check manufacturer's instructions for more approximate drying times. During the drying process, do not walk on the floor surface. Once cured, you can use the hammer to re-install the base boards.

There Is Asbestos in Your Home?

Asbestos has been recognized since ancient Greek and Roman times as a beneficial material that can withstand fire and heat, as well as electricity and chemicals. Thus, it is no surprise that this silicate mineral has been used in everything from submarines to homes as an insulating material. Sadly, though, we now know that asbestos can cause dangerous and even deadly disorders such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Although asbestos came under strict governmental regulation beginning in the 1980s, many homes built before and during this decade still contain asbestos. At one point in time, asbestos could be found in everything from ceiling tiles to counter tops, vinyl flooring to wall insulation. If your home was built prior to the 1980s, these components of your house may be releasing dangerous asbestos particles into the air.

Asbestos is divided into two different categories once it is used as an additive: friable and non-friable. Friable means that it can release microscopic fibers into the air, and non-friable means that the fibers are firmly secured in the material. Asbestos is dangerous when it comes in the friable form.

If you suspect that friable asbestos is in your home, there are several steps that you can take to protect yourself. First, it is impossible to determine if a substance is asbestos just by looking at it. You can send in samples of items to specialized labs for asbestos testing. However, you must be extremely careful when getting a sample.

If you want to cut a material to send it in for asbestos sampling, disturbing the fibers can send them airborne, where you can ingest or inhale these carcinogenic particles. Thus, if you absolutely must send it in for testing, you should make sure that you are wearing goggles and a face mask to protect yourself form inhaling asbestos. You can water it down very gently to help the particles stick together. Next, you can cut a tiny sample, never touching the material with your bare skin.

Should the sample test positive for asbestos, you can either have it removed by a professional or have it sealed with paint or another coating to keep it from being friable. Any exposure to asbestos can cause you to develop mesothelioma. If you now suffer from this deadly cancer and need help during this difficult time

Friable Asbestos: The Real Culprit Behind Your Symptoms

In any discussion concerning asbestos and the physical symptoms that can be developed from it we need to understand what is mean't by the term friable. Asbestos is said to be "friable" when it is dry it can be crushed or pulverized thus reducing the mineral into a powderized state. The real danger that occurs when asbestos is crushed is that it can easily become air born. Once the tiny fibers of asbestos are air born they can be inhaled into the lungs and once in the lungs the whole chain of events begins to unfold which can lead to scarring, asbestosis and even mesothelioma.

What are some examples of friable asbestos?

Some common examples of friable asbestos products would be acoustic ceiling tiles, many types of plaster and wall board, sprayed on insulation on boilder pipes, insulation inside of boilers, insulation inside of hotwater heaters and many more. These items can all be pulverized and reduced to a powder that can easily become air born. A good example of non-friable asbestos would be vinyl floor tiles and asbestos siding and some shingles. Floor tiling is a product that often contains asbestos but as long as it is not sawn, ground or sanded it remains incapsulated and consequently remains non-friable.

What should I do if I encounter a material that I suspect may contain friable asbestos?

The first thing that you should do if you suspect the presence of asbestos is to have a sample of the product tested at an EPA approved asbestos lab. Once you have sent in your sample and it has been found to contain asbestos you should then use this same site to locate a professional asbestos abatement company. This is no job for the unlearned or naive. Once a material is determined to be friable it is labeled as regulated asbestos containing material (RACM). The safest way to deal with it is to let the professionals handle the removal. The cost of inhaling friable asbestos fibers is too high to take chances with your health. It is worth a little extra money to avoid serious asbestos symptoms.