Hartford Residents Homeless Due to Asbestos Threat
Heavy rains at the end of October damaged an asbestos containing roof of a three story condominium forcing residents to evacuate. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in many construction materials, including roofing and ceiling tiles. It was often added to roofing products because it is highly insulating and fire resistant.
Asbestos is now known to cause serious and fatal diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Even a single exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, as it only takes one fiber to enter the body and lodge in the lining of the heart, abdomen or chest cavities. Once lodged, the asbestos fibers can cause tumors to grow, that often do not develop until decades after the initial exposure.
Mesothelioma symptoms are hard to identify and diagnosis often does not occur the disease has reached advanced stages. The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid all contact with airborne asbestos.
Because of the known dangers of exposure to asbestos, all residents were evacuated until abatement measures by trained professionals could be taken and safety ensured. Asbestos removal was completed from the third floor, still leaving assessment of the rest of the building to be done. Efforts to raise money to begin renovations prior to receiving insurance settlement money is underway.
The measures taken will ensure the safety of tenants, however causes many difficulties in the meantime. Many residents have not found replacement places to stay until renovations are complete, and some lost possessions due to the damage and possible contamination. Unfortunately, asbestos removal is essential, delaying the time where residents can return to their homes.
