Throughout the 20th century, tons of asbestos were mined in our country and put in thousands of everyday products. Asbestos was very inexpensive and was used as filler in many different products throughout many different industries. For example, asbestos was used in cements, drywall muds, electrical wiring, paints, textiles, and insulation.
There are a number of different jobs where workers were exposed to a large amount of asbestos on a very frequent basis. People who have worked as appliance shop workers and installers may have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer due to asbestos exposure on the jobsite.
Appliance shop workers and household appliance installers provide many services that often include the installation, repair, and maintenance of appliances. These activities may have exposed workers to asbestos and the risk of developing mesothelioma.
Workers dealing with the installation of larger appliances, such as stoves, washing machines and dryers, and hot water heaters may be at a high risk of exposure to asbestos dust. These larger appliances often contained asbestos as it is resistant to heat, electrical and chemical damages. In addition, the installation and repair of these appliances often requires workers to handle gas or water lines that may be insulated by asbestos, or to cut or drill through materials that may contain asbestos in the construction material itself. They also may have been exposed to asbestos insulation in walls.
Small appliances may also have parts made with asbestos material. Any appliance manufactured with electrical wiring in the early twentieth century most likely contained asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma, which could be disturbed by dismantling and repairs.
Unfortunately, millions of people have been exposed to asbestos over the years. Only now are we able to see the disastrous effects of asbestos exposure in the workplace. Generally, it takes 10 to 60 years from the time of asbestos exposure until symptoms appear or mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Many of the companies have established trust funds to pay compensation to persons injured by asbestos.
If you have mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related injury, and wish to consult an attorney about your legal rights to compensation, CLICK HERE for a free consultation.
