When we think of asbestos, we often picture old buildings or construction sites. But asbestos in historic monuments and landmarks is also common as it was used in building materials because of its heat resistance. While asbestos was useful in the past, we now know it’s dangerous to health. Let’s talk about how asbestos was used in historic buildings, the risks it poses, and how restoration workers can safely preserve these monuments.
How Was Asbestos Used in Historic Monuments?
Many older buildings and monuments were constructed with asbestos because it was durable, heat-resistant, and inexpensive. Here are some ways asbestos was used in these buildings:
- Insulation: Asbestos was used to insulate walls, floors, and ceilings to protect buildings from heat and fire.
- Fireproofing: It was added to materials for fireproofing, making them resistant to high temperatures.
- Flooring and Roofing: Asbestos was often used in tiles and roofing to make buildings safer and longer-lasting.
Because of these uses, many historic buildings still contain asbestos today, which can pose a risk to people working on or around these structures.
The Risks of Asbestos Exposure
When asbestos is disturbed, such as during restoration or demolition, tiny fibers can be released into the air. Breathing in these fibers can lead to serious health problems. Some of the most common diseases caused by asbestos exposure include:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer, especially for people who smoke.
- Asbestosis: A lung disease caused by scarring in the lungs due to inhaled asbestos fibers.
These diseases can take many years to develop, which is why asbestos-related health problems often show up decades after exposure.
How Are Historic Monuments Restored Safely?
Restoring historic monuments with asbestos requires special precautions to protect workers and the public. Here are some of the important safety measures used during restoration:
- Asbestos Surveys: Before any restoration work starts, a survey is done to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building.
- Asbestos Removal: Special teams of trained professionals safely remove asbestos from buildings. These workers wear protective gear and use equipment like vacuums with high-efficiency filters to stop asbestos fibers from spreading.
- Air Monitoring: During the restoration, air quality is monitored to ensure no asbestos fibers are in the air. If the levels are too high, work is stopped until it is safe to continue.
- Sealing Asbestos: In some cases, if the asbestos is not easily removed, it’s sealed to prevent it from becoming airborne. This is called encapsulation.
How to Protect Yourself From Asbestos Exposure
If you live near or visit historic monuments that are being restored, here are some ways to stay safe:
- Stay Away from Construction Zones: If you’re near a building under restoration, stay out of the area until it’s been cleared of asbestos.
- Follow Safety Instructions: If you’re involved in restoration work, make sure to wear the right protective equipment, like respirators and gloves.
- Get Health Checkups: If you work with asbestos or live near areas where it is disturbed, get regular checkups to make sure you’re not at risk for any health problems.
Preserving the Past Safely
Preserving historic monuments is important to keep our history alive, but it’s also crucial to manage the asbestos risks. With careful planning and proper safety measures, restoration workers can safely remove or seal asbestos in historic buildings. By following strict guidelines, we can protect the health of workers and visitors while preserving the beauty of these iconic structures for future generations.
Get Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure
If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos during restoration work and developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for compensation. The Halpern Law Firm has over 35 years of experience helping victims of asbestos-related diseases. Our team can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or chat with a representative on our website.
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