Northeast Faces Asbestos Worries After Superstorm Sandy

Hurricane Sandy has stirred up more than seawater. Following the unusual October storm, worries over asbestos exposure are surfacing across the American Northeast.

In Connecticut, Mark T. Sheehan High School was closed after part of the school’s roof blew off during the hurricane, causing damage to asbestos tiles on the second floor of the building. The school now needs several days of remediation.

Storm cleanup may prove particularly risky given that many older factories, schools and homes -- some perhaps laden with asbestos -- were affected. Asbestos was once used to make siding, roofing tiles, insulation, car parts, fire-retardant materials and much more. Inhaling disturbed asbestos fibers can lead to illness and even death.

New York City schools were also shut down for several days while the city recovered and the schools were inspected for safety. In some ways, the closing drew certain parallels to “Asbestos Week” in 1993 when schools were closed 11 days that year due to asbestos contamination.

The threat of sickness is very real. Asbestos-related illnesses were reported both after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Contact a professional team if you suspect cleanup could prove hazardous to your health.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos that results in a mesothelioma diagnosis later in life, there may be legal options at your disposal. Call Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Tags: