Asbestos Exposure

 Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral.It was once used in thousands of consumer, industrial and construction products. For nearly five thousand years, people have recognized the desirable properties of asbestos.   Unfortunately, for nearly as long, its dangers have also been in evidence.  Asbestos exposure has been linked to various cancers, the most notable being mesothelioma. The National Cancer Institute suggests that there is no safe level of Asbestos exposure. The most common disease it causes are Mesothelioma ,lung cancer , asbestosis and gastrointestinal cancer.

This “silent killer” often remains hidden.It may in our homes, schools or offices, asbestos potentially could be lurking everywhere. It’s important that we remind the public about this unseen danger and help victims of asbestos-related diseases.

Ruptured Steam Pipe Blows Through Asphalt And Spews Asbestos Fibers Into Downtown St. Louis Air

Some days back, an underground steam pipe insulated with asbestos split in close proximity to the St. Louis Convention Center. The ruptured pipe reportedly blasted steam four stories high.

Unfortunately, the blast spewed more than steam, asbestos fibers were also released into the air. North 11^thstreet has been closed since the pipe rupture last week and environmental testing of the surrounding area has revealed asbestos contamination.

In an effort to cleanse affected areas, Trigen-St. Louis Energy Corp (the company responsible for the piping) has power washed area streets and buildings twice.

This incident is a reminder that while the widespread manufacture and sale of asbestos products in Missouri and the United States has ceased, the environmental problem posed by asbestos is, unfortunately, alive and well. Additionally, despite the efforts of Trigen, the asbestos that was released into St. Louis cannot simply be washed away. Once released into the atmosphere, asbestos fibers persist and cannot be recaptured. Fortunately, the health risks posed to the public at large from this isolated incident is likely small. The vast majority of mesothelioma victims are exposed to asbestos over a regular, longer period of time than an isolated incident like this one.

news from :http://obrienlawfirm.com/