Hughes & Coleman | Injury Law Blog

Many older homes, particularly those constructed prior to the 1960s, contain asbestos in many of the products used for construction.  For years the product was widely used as form of home insulation.  Despite its usefulness, asbestos has been proven to cause serious and deadly harm, including lung cancer and an aggressive form of cancer known as mesothelioma. 

While the product is rarely used in new home construction; it is commonly found in older residential property.   Asbestos was most often used in floor tiles, paint, roof shingles and as insulation for walls.  Experts advise that if a home is suspected of containing asbestos it is important to contact a licensed asbestos professional to insure that the material is not causing unwanted exposure and to determine whether removal is necessary.

Popularity: 1% [?]

It’s spring time again and in order to get some May flowers, we have to have some showers! But not too many people consider the affects that acid rain has on one’s health. Acid rain doesn’t look or smell or taste any different than regular old rain but the particles in it can cause major health problems.

Acid rain is produced by the uptake of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which then combine with water, other elements and chemicals. When it rains, both sulfuric and nitric acids are produced.

According to the EPA’s website, about 66% of sulfur dioxide and 25% of nitrogen oxides comes from electric power producing generation. We all need power, but at what cost are we willing to have it?

Inhalation of the particles in acid rain can cause many serious heart and lung disorders. Particles can also deposit in soil and water and affect one’s health by their consumption of contaminated food and water.

Both sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxides are regulated under the Clean Air Act. By regulating the amount of these chemical compounds, the amount of particles should be reduced and in turn lessen acid rain’s impact on human health. Until then, be mindful when it rains and the amount of electricity your household uses.

Popularity: 1% [?]

When the word justice pops into minds, most focus on the criminal justice system wherein those accused of a crime are afforded certain rights to defend themselves and the community has expectations of punishment of those found guilty. But what about environmental justice?

If you’ve ever driven through a bad part of town where many low income folks live you see power generating plants, polluted landfills, and just about any number of other plants that produce harmful substances that can affect one’s health. So, what about justice for the folks that live in these communities? What rights are they given to prevent health hazards caused by the facilities in their communities?

To address these very concerns, the EPA has a created a federal committee, known as the Environmental Justice Advisory Council, to improve the environmental health of those living in low income and minority communities who face environmental harms at a higher rate than those in other communities.

By working with other governmental agencies to address environmental concerns in these areas and allowing for more research, the goal of the council is to give a voice to and protect those affected in poor and minority communities.

If you live in one of these areas and wish to be heard you should contact  your regional office, which can be found at:

www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/whereyoulive/index.html

Popularity: 1% [?]

Mold has become an all too common problem in many residential houses and apartments.  Numerous home sellers and landlords have failed to disclose known mold infestations to buyers and tenants.  These misrepresentations have left thousands exposed to potentially dangerous infestations of mold in their homes. 
Numerous symptoms and side effects are common with exposure to mold spores.  Respiratory problems are the most frequent result.  Those exposed often experience allergic reactions that cause cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, sore throats and sinus congestion.  Asthma attacks have also been reported.  If exposure to mold continues for long durations, serious and potentially deadly respiratory problems may also develop.

Popularity: 1% [?]