Attorney Joseph W. Belluck of New York’s Belluck & Fox, LLP, warns of danger in many homes posed by asbestos-containing vermiculite insulation.
New York, NY (PRWEB) December 05, 2011
Belluck, a nationally recognized lawyer whose New York personal injury law firm focuses on asbestos-exposure and mesothelioma litigation, said insulation in many New York homes could easily have been made of vermiculite, which contains asbestos.
“As millions of homeowners take Christmas decorations out of their attics, they could be stirring up potentially deadly asbestos dust and unknowingly increasing their risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma,” said Belluck, a partner in the New York City law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP.
Vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant, absorbent and odorless mineral used in a variety of products, including household insulation. Prior to 1990, much of the world’s vermiculite came from a Montana mine that also contained asbestos, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA has estimated that 33 million houses and businesses in the United States contain vermiculite insulation tainted with asbestos. Asbestos fibers, which easily break down when disturbed, can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and other usually fatal diseases if inhaled.
Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually light-brown or gold in color.
Belluck said homeowners who think they may have vermiculite insulation should contact a professional to find out. If it is vermiculite, they should contact an experienced asbestos contractor to remove it.
“Do not disturb attic insulation if it may contain vermiculite,” Belluck said. “Any disturbance of asbestos-containing products risks releasing fibers into the air.
“Homeowners who may have vermiculite insulation should limit their trips to the attic and limit the duration of those trips,” Belluck continued. “Children should stay out of the attic.”
The lawyers of Belluck & Fox, LLP, have investigated cases of asbestos exposure across the state of New York. Through negotiations and lawsuits, Belluck & Fox attorneys have helped hundreds of New Yorkers suffering from lung diseases caused by asbestos exposure pursue claims and recover compensation for medical expenses and other costs of their illnesses.
About Belluck & Fox, LLP
Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won over $400 million in compensation for clients and their families.
Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine’s “Best Lawyers in the New York Area” and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for more than $12 million.
Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine’s “Best Lawyers in the New York Area” and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal’s Largest Verdict of the Year. He recently secured verdicts of $32 million and more than $19 million on behalf of individuals who had contracted mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
In September, Belluck & Fox, LLP, won a coveted spot on a list of America's best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.
For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.
###
Joseph W. Belluck
Belluck & Fox, LLP
(877) 695-2909
Email Information
There are no comments yet