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Asbestos is now highly regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency; however, prior to its restriction, many people experienced asbestos exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Those who develop asbestos-related diseases due to workplace exposures may be entitled to compensation.
Those in the construction industry may have been exposed to asbestos a few decades ago when asbestos was widely used in building materials. Construction work remains one of the most high-risk jobs for asbestos exposure, especially for those who perform demolition or remodeling projects.
Agricultural workers were often exposed to asbestos when working in and around equipment and buildings containing asbestos. Where asbestos occurs naturally, farmers may have disturbed deposits, exposing them to the released asbestos fibers. Since asbestos fibers can attach to hair, skin, and clothing, family members of farmers may have developed asbestos-related diseases from secondary exposure.
Firefighters may be exposed to asbestos and other hazardous toxins when working in and around buildings built before 1980. Many firefighters and other first responders at the scene of the tragic event of 9/11 developed mesothelioma and other cancers decades later due to that one-time exposure. Firefighters should always use protective equipment, such as respirators when working around potentially asbestos-containing materials.
Those who work in manufacturing plants, power plants, and factories are at high risk for workplace asbestos exposure. Many industrial workers encountered asbestos-containing products, such as cement, gaskets, roofing materials, and adhesives. Such workers may also have been exposed to asbestos from the buildings themselves, many of which were constructed before 1980.
Automotive, aircraft, and heavy equipment mechanics work with auto parts, such as brake pads and linings which used to contain asbestos. Most United States manufacturers do not use asbestos in their products anymore; however, these materials may still contain significant amounts of asbestos if they are obtained from other countries.
Those who weld, fabricate, and install metal pieces are at risk of asbestos exposure. Such employees often encounter asbestos-containing materials, including insulation, welding rods, and asbestos cement. Metal workers also often wear asbestos-containing protective gear.
Shipbuilders, shipyard workers, and other maritime workers are at high risk for asbestos exposure because asbestos was heavily used in the industry. Nearly every part of ships and naval vessels contained asbestos, including insulation, valves, pipe coverings, and boilers. Close quarters and heavy concentrations of asbestos only increases the chances of workers developing an asbestos-related disease.
Those with high-risk jobs for asbestos exposure may not show symptoms of an asbestos-related illness until decades later. Some forms of lung cancer have particularly long latency periods and may take up to 50 years to develop. Asbestos has been linked to various illnesses including:
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, contact one of our experienced lawyers today. Our accomplished Dover asbestos lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help you get the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation. From our offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.