Imports of Asbestos Increased Significantly Last Year

Asbestos exposure can lead to serious medical problems.

Despite its established status as a dangerous carcinogen, imports of asbestos, a once-commonly used material, increased in 2016, according to recently-released government data. The data from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission shows that imports of raw asbestos increased from 343 metric tons in 2015 to an estimated 705 metric tons in 2016. Ports across the state that accept shipments of asbestos could potentially face problems with asbestos contamination. Exposure to asbestos can lead to an assortment of diseases and health problems, particularly respiratory problems and forms of cancer, including mesothelioma. Hire licensed companies for asbestos removal miami work in houses, apartment buildings, commercial spaces and other locations.

Asbestos, once commonly used in construction of houses, condominiums, restaurants, hospitals, schools and other structures, can seriously endanger people’s health. Builders used the substance because of its fire-resistant qualities, but the substance can put people’s health at risk if disturbed, such as during renovations, demolitions and remodeling projects. People can unwittingly inhale asbestos fibers, microscopic in size, potentially resulting in breathing problems and diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis down the line.

Ports in places like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville and West Palm Beach may have to deal with asbestos problems due to the increase in importing the substance. Asbestos can cause lingering contamination issues for years or even decades. Fortunately, the best asbestos remediation companies have methods to clean up asbestos and make affected spaces safe to work in and live in. People in places like Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, Belle Glade, Loxahatchee and North Palm Beach can hire licensed asbestos abatement west palm beach businesses to eradicate asbestos from business locations, houses, warehouses, shipping yards and other places.

Although hazardous to people’s health, some industries continue to use asbestos for industrial processes and other uses.