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 casting ring lining.
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 dentists and dental assistants may have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer due to asbestos exposure on the jobsite.
Asbestos was often used in dentistry practices as lining for casting rings. Casting rings were used by dentists and dental assistants to make inlays, crown, bridges and removable dentures. Because of the extreme heat required to melt and mold metals to specifications, the heat and flame resistance provided by asbestos made the mineral desirable for inclusion in the lining material of these casting rings.
Dentists and dental assistants usually worked with these asbestos containing products in small, unventilated rooms. When asbestos dust is released into the air it can easily be inhaled and become lodged in organ tissues. Regular exposure to asbestos, even at low levels found in dental equipment, can put those who have worked in dental offices at increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos related diseases.
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.
