Industrial Workers and the Risk of Mesothelioma:
Until it was found to be carcinogenic, the use of asbestos played an integral role in American manufacturing. Prior to 1980, if you had a job as industrial worker in almost any setting, you were likely to be exposed to asbestos and are therefore at risk for developing mesothelioma. Although modern-day regulations have greatly reduced the risk, industrial workers must still exercise caution to avoid being contaminated.
The Prevalence of Asbestos in Industrial Settings
Why was asbestos so prevalent in our industrial workplaces? Ironically, it was to keep people safer. Many industries and manufacturing plants utilize hot machinery, and asbestos was often used as an insulator to protect workers and structures from fire.Asbestos could typically be found in floor and ceiling tiles, building insulation, pipe wrappings, cement, asbestos paper, gaskets, heated surfaces, and heavy machinery. Even the protective gloves used by workers to handle hot materials contained asbestos. Depending on the industry, a worker could be exposed to asbestos from a dozen sources on any given day. And of course, if you were in a plant that made products containing asbestos, you were further exposed.
Which Industry Workers Are Most at Risk for Mesothelioma?
Since almost every industrial application has utilized asbestos in some form, most factory, plant workers and mechanics face an elevated risk for mesothelioma. The longer the exposure, the greater the risk statistically. Thus, those who worked in industrial settings prior to 1980 may have faced the most exposure. And those who worked on industrial insulation are considered the highest-risk category.Industrial workers at risk may include:
- Chemical workers
- Insulators
- Machinists and machinery operators
- Mechanics
- Smelters
- Trade laborers
- People who manufactured asbestos-laden products
Families of Industrial Workers May Also Be at Risk
Unfortunately, the workers may not be the only people exposed to asbestos; family members and the people who lived with manufacturing employees, up to the mid-1970's, may also face greater risk due to secondary exposure.Before workers were aware of the dangers, asbestos fibers frequently came home on work clothing, in hair and on the skin, exposing family members to the same carcinogens. Even today with strict regulations to protect employees, there still may be a risk of exposure.
What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed
Being exposed to asbestos doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get sick, but mesothelioma can occur between 10-40 years after exposure. If you believe yourself to be at risk, do the following:
- Follow protocols to avoid further exposure. If you work in an industrial setting, make sure you follow safety rules.
- Quit smoking now. The National Cancer Institute says cigarette smoking combined with asbestos exposure can enhance the risks of lung cancer.
- Get regular cancer screenings. As with all cancers, early detection can improve live expectancy.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation from a variety of available sources and funds. Our team is glad to help you evaluate your options. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO, or contact us here.
