Asbestos Exposure after Natural Disasters

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans and other parts of the south, destroying homes, buildings, and lives. Even after the hurricane had passed, however, additional health hazards still remained. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, any structure in the affected area built before 1975 likely contained large amounts of asbestos. Since asbestos particles are hazardous when disturbed from rest and inhaled into the lungs, the newly-exposed asbestos became an additional danger to people who were already suffering from so much loss.

After the hurricane, government organizations worked to educate and inform local officials of how to safely handle asbestos-containing debris in order to minimize asbestos exposure in the damaged communities. Although under usual circumstances only trained professionals should handle asbestos, in an emergency situation such as Hurricane Katrina, it was important for different people to know how to identify materials that contain asbestos, how to work with trained professionals to remove and dispose of debris, and how to protect themselves against exposure.

After any natural disaster, the risk of exposure to asbestos increases as asbestos particles from damages and destroyed buildings are released into the air. Anyone living in an area prone to natural disasters should educate themselves about asbestos exposure risks and proper safety precautions in the presence of asbestos.

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If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or a different medical condition related to asbestos exposure, you need a knowledgeable attorney who is familiar with asbestos law to defend your case. The mesothelioma attorneys of Williams Kherkher can review your situation, determine if you have the grounds for legal action, and fight hard to gain the compensation you need for your suffering. Contact us today at 800-781-3955 to speak with an attorney.