Asbestos was used in a wide variety of products and industries until the mid-1970s, when the health risks of this durable mineral became more widely known. Workers who are exposed to this durable mineral can develop the rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma.
The widespread use of asbestos makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly how many people were exposed to this harmful substance. However, workers in the following industries were at much greater risk for being exposed to asbestos:
Firefighting - Even though firefighters wear masks to avoid inhaling dangerous substances during building fires, they are at risk for asbestos exposure after fires are put out and they remove their masks.
Manufacturing - Many workers in textile and industrial plants were exposed because asbestos was often used in manufactured products, textiles, and for building and pipe insulation.
Railroads - People who work on trains are at risk because trains were insulated with asbestos. Meanwhile, train repair shop employees were at risk for breathing in dust from materials containing asbestos.
Military - When asbestos was used as a building material, aircraft, ships, tanks and barracks were built with the product and all military branches were impacted.
Shipbuilding - Many ships up until the mid-1970s included asbestos for pipe insulation, releasing asbestos particles into the air for anyone to inhale when the pipes were repaired.
Construction - Most buildings constructed during 1920 and 1980 typically had asbestos in them. For this reason, construction workers are most at risk for asbestos exposure compared to any other occupation.
Mesothelioma may occur up to 50 years after the first exposure. Tennessee places within the top 20 states with asbestos related deaths, according to the Environmental Work Group.
If you or your loved one is suffering from mesothelioma, speak to a skilled asbestos and mesothelioma injury lawyer today to find out if you are entitled to compensation for lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. At Greg Coleman Law, our Knoxville personal injury lawyers charge no upfront fees to review you claim.
Call (865) 247-0080 today to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
