At Risk Occupations - Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma At Work
Mesothelioma is not a common form of cancer but is extremely deadly, mostly due to the fact that individuals are almost never diagnosed until the disease has spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, including the abdomen, heart pancreas and intestine. Almost all confirmed cases of mesothelioma have been directly linked to the exposure to asbestos fibers, often 30 or even 40 years in the past. In fact, many patients who complain of symptoms that correspond to those most often seen in mid to late stages of mesothelioma are checked to see what type of work they performed in earlier years. The presence of asbestos in and around industrial settings has resulted in a long list of occupations at risk for mesothelioma developing many years later in life.
Construction Of Marine Vessels
In shipyards, especially those where the construction of naval vessels takes place, asbestos was once the most commonly used substance for the purpose of insulation and heat shielding. During W.W. II over one thousand naval vessels were built that had asbestos installed in them. Pipes were coated in a mixture of asbestos fibers and cement; the result being a greater amount of steam because the asbestos insulated the pipes extremely well and lowered fuel costs. Floors were mopped with this same mixture to act as a fire retardant, and entire walls were built from sheetrock that had asbestos fibers present. These were situated in and around the boiler units. All this construction meant that countless workers were inhaling asbestos fibers on a daily basis.
Metal Works And Foundries
Because of the high heat in these work environments, employees often wore protective clothing that was made from asbestos fibers, woven into the wool or cotton. Although this served as excellent heat protection, it also meant that escaped fibers could easily be inhaled. In addition, the walls and ceilings of older structures were often damaged over time, and the asbestos would literally break loose and become free-floating.
Plumbers And Pipe Fitters
Until the latter part of the 20th century, industrial plumbers, especially those who installed pipes in and below large buildings used asbestos mixed with other compounds to wrap the hot water pipes after they were in place. After years had gone by, others were at risk for exposure because these pipes were often in tunnels or crawl spaces where access was needed either to repair the pipes or fix something else that was broken. Many maintenance employees who have had nothing to do with installing pipes have been exposed to asbestos merely by working in and around plumbing.
Demolition Crews And Firefighters
When an old building is torn down, any asbestos that has not been safely removed becomes part of the debris piles. Once again the microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled by those working in these demolition areas. And firefighters have long been at risk when they enter burning buildings; the asbestos does not burn but is freed from the walls or ceilings in which they were once installed. Firefighters and demolition crews are one of the more hazardous occupations at risk for mesothelioma development.
If you believe that you have been exposed long-term to asbestos fibers or have questions about how this material can lead to mesothelioma, contact a legal representative by calling the number given or filling out the online form. You may have legal rights to monetary compensation or special medical care if you have developed mesothelioma.
