Asbestos

Along with the lead-based risks, we also should consider the other building materials used in construction such as asbestos.  According to the U S Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, asbestos is a fibrous mineral “used in products, such as insulation for pipes, floor tiles, building materials⁶” and is considered a deadly carcinogen.  There are six types of asbestos, but one I saw while living in the Fair Park Corridor was Amosite; which is a brown asbestos from Africa.  According to asbestos.com, it’s “found in ceiling tiles and in thermal insulation products⁷” and has needle-like fibers.  I know this to be true because the ceiling, in all parts of the home, eventually caved in.  As a result, I actually saw and felt the needle-like fibers prickling me from the spores that had landed on the furniture.

The health effects attributed to asbestos exposure range from lung cancer to mesothelioma.  While my aunt, a chronic cigarette smoker, died of lung cancer; I’m sure it is safe to also conclude that because she lived on the property for more than 10 years, she may have been exposed to asbestos as well.

 

⁶ Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Home. Web. 14 Feb. 2012. <http://www.osha.gov/>.

 ⁷ "Asbestos - An Overview of Types, Exposure, Veterans, & Diseases." Mesothelioma Center - Mesothelioma Information & Support. The Peterson Firm, LLP., 20 Dec. 2011. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. <http://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/>. Note: Source not evaluated