Workplace Exposure
Workplace exposure to asbestos is a major known cause of serious and sometimes fatal health problems. For instance, workplace exposure to asbestos can lead to 1) asbestosis—a serious disease of the lungs; 2) lung cancer—malignant tumor development in one or both lungs; and 3) mesothelioma—a type of cancer that affects the lining of the abdominal organs, heart, or lungs.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural material that has been widely used in the US in numerous ways. Asbestos is an excellent insulator, sound- and fire-proofer, and building material. Thus, it has been used extensively in many applications in many industries. People who have worked in construction, shipping, electricity, plumbing, firefighting, industry, factories, auto shops, schools and other buildings may be at risk for workplace exposure to asbestos.
How does workplace exposure occur?
Workplace exposure to asbestos can occur when people handle or even work near materials that contain asbestos. Asbestos is most dangerous when it becomes compromised in some way and the fibers become loose and airborne. The fibers can cause serious illness when inhaled on a regular basis or in large quantities.
Long-term and acute workplace exposure
Workplace exposure to asbestos is most damaging with acute or long-term exposure. The longer or more often one is exposed to asbestos in the workplace, the higher the risk of developing a serious health disease. For example, 86 percent of shipyard workers who had been employed for over 20 years in the industry subsequently developed mesothelioma, according to a Mt Sinai research study.
Asbestos diseases take years to develop
It is important to note that the development of asbestos-related diseases can occur years or even decades after workplace exposure. Symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma, for example, can often take 20 to 30 to develop after workplace exposure.
Employer responsibilities
Employers have a duty to their employees to keep them safe from dangerous workplace exposure to asbestos and other serious toxins. The government has established strict regulations intended to prevent workplace exposure, yet some employers fail to keep their workers 100% safe. Additionally, because of the long latency period associated with asbestos-caused diseases, some people may have been exposed when the risks weren’t fully understood.
If you suffered workplace exposure to asbestos, contact us today and learn more about your rights and options.
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