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 widely used in attic insulation, HVAC duct insulation and insulation seal.
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 Insulators may have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer due to asbestos exposure on the jobsite.
Before asbestos was publically recognized as a carcinogen, causing mesothelioma cancer and other diseases, the mineral gained popularity because it was affordable, non-conductive, strong and resistant to heat and flame. One of the most common uses for asbestos fillers was in insulation applications.
Asbestos was found in nearly every insulation application including pipe covering, electrical wiring, HVAC systems, insulation sealants, attic and wall insulation, cement insulation and spray-on insulation just to name a few. An insulators job required them to handle damaged asbestos insulation during repair and to cut and manipulate new insulation to fit specific applications during installation. When asbestos is torn or frayed, the tiny airborne fibers can linger in the air. When inhaled or swallowed, this asbestos dust can become lodged in organ tissues causing inflammation that may lead to the development of mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.
Because insulators installing and repairing this insulation often worked mostly in small, unventilated areas with a high concentration of asbestos they are at increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer.
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 other asbestos-related injury, and wish to consult an attorney about your legal rights to compensation, CLICK HERE for a free consultation.
