In the wake of the devastating California wildfires that displaced thousands across Sonoma and Marin and caused billions of dollars in property damages, area residents could be at risk from contaminants in their drinking water, including asbestos and other cancer-causing toxins. The threat to the area's drinking water comes from the debris around the Russian River, the main source of drinking water for the two devastated counties.
As the area prepares to enter the rainy season, state officials are worried that toxic pollutants from the burn zones could wash into streams, rivers, and the drinking water supply in the greater North Bay area. There are over 600 streams in Sonoma County alone, many of them leading to the Russian River and passing directly through the burn zones.
While the Sonoma County water agency says the area's drinking water is safe for now, that all could change depending on when and how much rain comes to the area and how much debris remains when that happens. State and federal environmental officials are working hard every day to inspect thousands of homes for possible toxins, including asbestos, for removal.
Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer
Perhaps one of the biggest threats to residents in the North Bay area is asbestos contamination in the drinking water. Although asbestos has been tightly regulated in the U.S. since the 1970s, many homes could have been built before the regulations went into effect. For many decades, companies used asbestos-laden products like drywall, floor tiles, and roofing material to construct homes.
Unfortunately, the mineral known for his malleability and heat resistant properties is also the cause of mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that commonly affects the thin lining of tissue surrounding the lungs or abdomen. Contrary to what many corporations and asbestos makers may claim, there is no such thing as a safe level of exposure to asbestos and its possible for even a few tiny fibers to cause serious health conditions.
Although asbestos only began to be regulated in the 1970s, companies using the substance already knew for decades about the serious health consequences of ingesting or inhaling asbestos but did nothing to warn consumers or workers handling the product. As a result, tens of thousands of innocent victims suffered from asbestos exposure and developed mesothelioma cancer and other serious health conditions.
Fortunately, the law gives victims the right to file asbestos cancer lawsuits against the asbestos companies to recover compensation for damages. In addition to awards for medical bills and lost wages, filing a lawsuit can help recover for the pain and suffering felt by the victim and hold these defendants responsible for their indifference to public safety.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced Arizona mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
