Attic Insulation May Contain Deadly Asbestos, Cautions N.Y. Lawyer

Joseph W. Belluck, a partner at the New York law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP, says asbestos-contaminated vermiculite in millions of homes and businesses underscores the need for caution.

New York, N.Y. (PRWEB) June 28, 2009 -- The presence of attic insulation made from asbestos-contaminated vermiculite in millions of homes and businesses underscores the need for caution and public education to avoid exposure, says a New York personal injury attorney.

"Many people could be exposing themselves to dangerous asbestos fibers when they go to the attic, if they're not careful," said Joseph W. Belluck, a partner at the New York law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP (http://www.belluckfox.com/), which handles asbestos-related injury cases. "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new public education campaign on vermiculite insulation is a reminder of how widespread this type of insulation remains, even today."

Vermiculite insulation was a popular, pebble-like pour-in insulation sold under the brand name Zonolite until sales were discontinued in the 1980s. It is usually gray-brown or silver-gold in color. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that from 15 to 52 million homes have Zonolite attic insulation.

The insulation marketed under this brand name had vermiculite from a mine near Libby, Montana, that produced most of the U.S. supply for much of the 20th century. The vermiculite was contaminated with microscopic asbestos fibers, according to the EPA Web site. Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer found in the lining of the lungs.

As long as vermiculite insulation is undisturbed, the EPA says it poses no risk and does not need to be removed. If a home remodeling project involves removal of insulation, the EPA recommends that a trained asbestos removal professional be used to ensure the material is handled properly.

"If you have vermiculite insulation, the proper precaution is to assume it contains asbestos," Belluck said. "Rule one is leave it alone. Don't store boxes or suitcases in the attic if removing them will disturb the insulation. And never attempt to remove it yourself."

To learn more about safety tips for dealing with vermiculite insulation, go to http://mesotheliomahelp.net/handling-vermiculite.html.

About Belluck & Fox, LLP

Belluck & Fox, LLP (http://www.belluckfox.com/) is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, medical malpractice, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm has won more than $200 million in compensation for its clients and their families.

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 "The 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.

Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in New York magazine's "The Best Lawyers in the New York Area" and to 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.

For more information, contact the firm at 877-695-2909 or through the online contact form.

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