{"id":353201,"date":"2017-03-29T14:24:29","date_gmt":"2017-03-29T19:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/asbestos-in-the-home-liability-and-lawsuits.html"},"modified":"2025-09-16T15:43:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T20:43:00","slug":"asbestos-in-the-home-liability-and-lawsuits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/asbestos-in-the-home-liability-and-lawsuits.html","title":{"rendered":"Asbestos in the Home: Liability and Legal Action"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Asbestos in the Home: Liability and Legal Action<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

When disturbed, asbestos releases harmful fibers into the air. This poses serious health risks<\/span>. Exposure to asbestos can lead to diseases like mesothelioma<\/span>, and homeowners may have legal options<\/span> if they become ill due to undisclosed asbestos in their property. Affected individuals can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Asbestos has many features that make it appealing to home builders. The material is strong but flexible. It is also fire-resistant. Asbestos is also an excellent insulator for heat and sound, and resists corrosion. Unfortunately, the health hazards and negative health effects posed by asbestos mean it cannot be used safely.<\/p>\n

Read on to learn about the dangers of asbestos<\/span> in the home and your legal rights if you become sick. You can also contact a personal injury<\/span> attorney<\/a> near you to share your story and hear your legal options<\/span>. An attorney can assess your situation and determine if you have a valid asbestos claim<\/span>. If you do, they will advocate for you throughout the legal process and fight for fair compensation.<\/p>\n

What Is Asbestos?<\/h2>\n

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in various\u00a0products<\/a>\u00a0due to its durability. It has flame-retardant and insulating properties, making it a common material used in home construction.<\/p>\n

Many homes built before 1975\u00a0contain asbestos building materials<\/a>. However, asbestos in the house is relatively safe if the building materials are in good condition. The danger occurs when materials containing asbestos deteriorate, are damaged, or are disturbed. When this happens, the asbestos fibers<\/span> become airborne, and people can breathe them into their lungs.<\/p>\n

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA<\/span>) encourages homeowners planning on remodeling to hire a\u00a0trained and accredited asbestos professional<\/a>\u00a0to conduct a thorough inspection before any remodeling. Inspecting for asbestos is also a good idea if you are buying an older home.<\/p>\n

Types of Asbestos<\/h3>\n

Some of the more common types of\u00a0asbestos<\/a>\u00a0include:<\/p>\n