With the economy in a slump, the housing market is not doing well and people have turned to remodeling their current home instead of trying to sell their home for an upgrade. A study that was published in the Medical Journal of Australia, has shown the alarming rate of asbestos-related diseases, such as Mesothelioma, that can be correlated to exposure to asbestos from home renovation projects.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body’s internal organs. An individual may be at risk to develop Mesothelioma if they were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home. The three most common treatments for Mesothelioma are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used heavily in the 20th century for construction. It was once a very popular form of insulation based on its fireproof qualities, heat resistance, chemical resistance and electrical insulation, however it has been proven to be toxic. Asbestos companies continued to produce these products even after they were known to be hazardous and harmful to workers and their families.

When broken or shredded it is released into the air and undoubtedly breathed into the lungs. Improper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air in homes, increasing asbestos levels and endangering people living in those homes.

Steps to take while remodeling an older home:

• Determine if a project requires disturbing asbestos areas.
• Look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage to the asbestos.
• Use an asbestos professional or contact your health department for advice before proceeding.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma may not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. The earlier the Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the more treatment options are available and oftentimes a better prognosis is given.

Asbestos manufacturers and distributors made a combined effort to hide the dangers of asbestos from the public, while at the same time profiting heavily from the sale and manufacture of the harmful products. A cancer lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturers for those suffering from Mesothelioma.

Over 65 asbestos trusts have been established holding billions of dollars combined across them!