While asbestos has been considered a dangerous substance for many years, it is still being detected and removed from old buildings to this day. One apartment complex in New Mexico is set to be demolished after a report found the whole complex presented an asbestos hazard, placing them at risk of serious conditions like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and more.

Residents of the Sahara Apartments in New Mexico were informed by the local city manager that an asbestos report recently revealed that “there was asbestos in nearly every area of the buildings including the exterior plaster, the window glazing, the multi-layered flooring and mastic, the vinyl floor tile, the drywall compound and texture and the additional floor tile,” according to an article in the Alamogordo Daily News.

City Manager Maggie Paluch of Alamogordo, New Mexico referred to the findings of the asbestos report and the asbestos hazard the building presented as “not so wonderful” news.

The contractor in charge of the asbestos testing found that disposing of the asbestos in the apartment complex would be no small task. Indeed, the widespread nature of the asbestos would necessitate a certified company to come in and dispose of the asbestos. In order to follow safety compliance regulations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the buildings would need to be demolished completely.

Exposure to this material can be a serious asbestos hazard, especially for considerable periods of time as when it is located in the workplace, in work materials, or even in the home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asbestos can increase a person’s risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and more. Asbestos fibers that build up in the lungs can causing scarring and inflammation, which in turn can affect breathing and even lead to disease.

Asbestos Hazard Leads to Cancer, Other Side Effects

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for commercial purposes such as electrical or building insulation, as well as countless other uses. Unfortunately, asbestos has long been linked with a serious risk of lung cancer. The microscopic fibers of asbestos can accumulate in the lungs, but then quickly spread to distant organs. Asbestos exposure can cause several critical health problems, including lung cancer.

Lung cancer from asbestos is a serious risk for many who are surrounded by the dangerous substance. It can take decades for asbestos cancer to develop, but then it can spread rapidly to organs all across the body. This rapid rate of development often means that asbestos cancer isn’t diagnosed until it has reached a later and more dangerous stage of development.

Filing a Lawsuit Over Asbestos Hazard

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with or died from asbestos-related cancer, you may be able to file an asbestos hazard lawsuit or seek an asbestos fine. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by asbestos-related cancer, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.