Individuals who work in historical homes and other buildings are at risk of being exposed to toxins such as asbestos that have been conclusively linked to serious and potentially deadly health conditions. This problem is most commonly associated with people working on a construction crew, but it can also impact workers who fill another role within the building. With this in mind, it is imperative for people to be aware of the health risks of being involved with a historical job site.
The Danger of Asbestos
Asbestos exposure can cause life-threatening diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Tragically, the majority of people who end up battling mesothelioma will lose their life because it is not typically diagnosed until it is too late. Additionally, it can take several decades for a medical condition to become prevalent after exposure to asbestos, and this gap in time makes people less likely to understand what the problem is when they first begin exhibiting symptoms.
On the plus side, government agencies do recognize the threat that is caused by asbestos, and some protective measures have been put in place to protect people. For example, a development project in Kansas City, Missouri, was put on hold after it was discovered that the initial developers had used the site to bury asbestos. However, the cleanup efforts will put some people at risk.
The Danger of Lead-Based Paint
Any building that was built before 1978 has a high probability of containing lead-based paint. Exposure to this toxic substance can cause a wide variety of health issues, especially for children. The most common complications from lead-based paint exposure include headaches, irritability and stomach aches, but it can also lead to seizures, learning disabilities, behavioral problems and even death.
Increased Risk of Injuries
Another major problem that is often presented by historical buildings is the fact that they tend to be in weaker condition due to extended periods of deferred maintenance. Therefore, anyone working at one of these buildings could potentially encounter a wide variety of hazards such as weak floorboards, trip hazards and broken stairs. With this in mind, anyone who is working in one of these buildings needs to remain cognizant of their surroundings at all times, and they should also report any issues that they discover to their supervisor.
Taking Legal Action
If you are injured or become ill as the result of working at a historical job site, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you take legal action. After all, your medical bills were caused by someone else’s negligence, so you have the right to file a lawsuit to help you recover these expenses.
Historical buildings are often beautiful, but they can also be deadly. Therefore, you need to be cautious before accepting a job at one of these sites, and you should also take preventative steps to protect yourself such as wearing a mask. However, if you still get sick or injured, you should pursue your legal options by contacting an attorney.
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