Building managers and superintendents are responsible for the repair and maintenance of residential buildings. Since many older buildings contained large amounts of asbestos in various types of asbestos-containing materials, these building superintendents were often exposed to large amounts of asbestos dust during the course of their work. Therefore, they had an increased risk of contracting Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
A building superintendent is responsible for the repairs and maintenance of residential buildings and can either perform small, routine maintenance and repair tasks himself, or call in other companies to assist with larger or more specialized tasks.
The Use of Asbestos in Residential Buildings
Before the dangers of Mesothelioma became well known, asbestos was used widely in the construction industry. Most buildings were full of asbestos in the form of ceiling tiles, asbestos-cement, floor tiles, asbestos sheeting and boards, and many other materials. Asbestos was used because it had good heat resistance and was also fireproof. As a result, it could be used for insulation and also to fireproof a building. Asbestos was also cost-effective and strong, thus many people considered it the ideal building material.
The Dangers of Asbestos to Building Managers and Superintendents
When asbestos was whole, it did not pose any great danger to those who came in contact with it. But, building superintendents were responsible for building repairs and so would often come in contact with damaged or disturbed asbestos-containing materials. When this material was damaged, it would release tiny asbestos fibers into the air, and when these fibers were inhaled, they would greatly increase the chances of the building superintendent contracting Mesothelioma.
The Risk of Contracting Mesothelioma
Building managers and superintendents are responsible for the repair and maintenance of residential buildings, and as such, would often come in contact with damaged or disturbed asbestos-containing materials. These materials would release tiny asbestos fibers into the air, which when inhaled, substantially increased the risk of the building superintendent contracting Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.