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Oakland, California Asbestos Information Update

Very few places you can live are as beautiful as the San Francisco Bay Area. While Oakland is often considered a less desirable place to live, the reality is that the rent is cheaper, the people are just as friendly, and the views are just as spectacular. However, even a great place like this has things you need to look out for.

The threat of asbestos continues seemingly unabated as more and more public and private buildings with asbestos issues are discovered. If you think that you were exposed to asbestos, or if you are suffering from asbestos-related illnesses, you may need to contact a lawyer to see if you are entitled to a cash settlement.

The Threat Of Asbestos Still Exists Today in Oakland, CA

A pair of recent news items in the Oakland area has once again highlighted the need to stay vigilant, even when you think the specter of asbestos has been defeated once and for all. A recent fire at a long ago abandoned military hospital in the nearby city of Alameda put a real scare into the Bay Area when it was thought that the fumes from the fire would be toxic due to the presence of asbestos. According to the article that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle on March 30, 2009, “(Division fire chief) Zombeck said the smoke is not believed to represent a health concern - the building is mostly concrete and wood, although he said there is also some asbestos in the walls and tar on the roof.

Health precautions had been limited to voluntary shelter in place of instructions for those downwind, he said.” The two alarm fire raised concerns all over the area, but the city was quick to test the smoke and ruled that it wasn’t toxic enough to warrant any evacuations. There are literally thousands of buildings in Oakland and around the Bay Area that are filled with asbestos, which only makes them an even bigger threat to the health of everyone in the area if they were to ever catch fire.

Special Permits are Required to Remove Asbstos in Oakland, CA

One of the biggest threats to children and adults is not just asbestos but improper or illegal removal of asbestos. If you believe that someone in your area is removing asbestos without the proper state certification and permission, contact the California Department of Health Services today.

The Brownfield Grant Will Help

Thankfully, voters in Oakland aren’t the only ones that understand the need to remove asbestos from any and all buildings. The federal Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that the Oakland area would receive $2.6 million in Brownfield Grant money to remove asbestos and revitalize areas that have been contaminated by asbestos in the past. These grants are given out to areas across the country to help entire neighborhoods get back on their feet after they have been devastated by asbestos.

If you think that you have inhaled asbestos or been exposed to it, fight back in a court of law by contacting a qualified asbestos lawyer today. You have the right to a long and healthy life; don’t let others take that away from you.

 

Did You Know?

The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads. More than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos. Auto repair & brake repair mechanics can be at risk.

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