Asbestos was originally introduced to the plastics industry in Bakelite, a popular plastic used in parts for appliances, industrial equipment, jewelry and more. Eventually, asbestos fillers were adopted by other plastics, including nylon and PVC, as a strong, flexible, heat resistant binding agent.
People who worked in plastic manufacturing facilities prior to the regulation of asbestos use may be at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer. These plastic workers were regularly exposed to asbestos during their employment. Those who worked as plastic molders directly handled asbestos fibers as it was mixed into compounds. When intact and finished, asbestos containing plastic products posed little danger. It is when it is damaged, or in loose form before mixed, that tiny asbestos fibers are easily made airborne where they can be ingested. Once they have made their way into the body, the fibers become lodged in organ tissue causing damage that may lead to the development of peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, or pericardial mesothelioma along with other asbestos-related diseases.
Because asbestos dust can cling to clothing, travel and linger in the air, even those plastics workers who were not responsible for handling asbestos directly are at risk of exposure to the airborne asbestos.
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.
