Asbestos was once widely used in building materials across Texas — from schools and courthouses to hospitals and offices. While its use has been heavily restricted, many older public buildings still contain asbestos in insulation, ceiling tiles, floor materials, or pipe coverings.
If you’ve spent time in one of these buildings and are now concerned about exposure, it’s natural to wonder how you can tell — and what you should do next. Understanding the risks and recognizing the signs of asbestos exposure are key steps in protecting your health and your legal rights.
1. Understanding Where Asbestos Is Found in Public Buildings
Many public buildings constructed before the 1980s used asbestos-based products for fireproofing and insulation. Common places where asbestos can be found include:
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- HVAC systems and ductwork
- Pipe insulation and boiler rooms
- Drywall joint compounds and plaster
- Roofing materials and shingles
If the asbestos-containing material remains in good condition and undisturbed, it may not pose an immediate threat. However, when these materials become damaged or disturbed — during maintenance, renovations, or natural wear — asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled.
2. Recognizing Signs of Possible Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure doesn’t cause immediate symptoms. In fact, asbestos-related diseases can take 10 to 40 years to develop. The most serious conditions linked to asbestos include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
While you can’t see or smell asbestos, you should seek medical advice if you’ve spent significant time in an older public building and begin to experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough or chest pain
- Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
- Fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen
If you’ve received a diagnosis such as mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about your work or building exposure history.
3. What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos Exposure in a Texas Public Building
If you believe you’ve been exposed, take these important steps:
- Document the location and date of your exposure. Note the building’s name, location, and your role or reason for being there.
- Seek medical evaluation. Inform your doctor about the possible exposure so they can recommend the proper testing and monitoring.
- Avoid further exposure. If you’re still working or visiting the building, report your concerns to building management or your employer.
- Contact an asbestos attorney. You may have the right to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and suffering — especially if negligence led to unsafe conditions.
4. How KRW Lawyers Help Asbestos Victims in Texas
KRW Lawyers has been standing up for asbestos victims for decades. We represent individuals exposed in Texas schools, factories, plants, shipyards, and other public buildings — fighting for justice and financial recovery.
Our firm also assists clients in obtaining compensation through asbestos trust funds, which were created to provide relief to victims without the need for lengthy litigation. You don’t have to face this process alone — we’ll handle the legal side while you focus on your health and family.
Asbestos Lawyers
If you suspect that you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos in a Texas public building, don’t wait to seek help. Early action can make all the difference — both for your health and your ability to secure compensation. Contact KRW Lawyers today at (855) 770-4045 for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and fight to protect your future.
