Asbestos In the Workplace
Asbestos is known to be extremely durable. It is effective when used as insulation due to its resistance to heat. It is also flame retardant and doesn’t break down or degrade over time. It’s often found in insulation, plaster, and other building materials that are used to manufacture the actual structure of a building. It’s resistance to water and electricity makes it an ideal material for use in areas where other materials would be compromised.
Conditions Associated With Asbestos
The biggest risk for workers who must be near asbestos is when the material becomes airborne. Once in the air, it is drawn in as the person breathes. It enters the lungs where it penetrates deeply into the lung tissues and other mucous membranes. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are the two health conditions most often associated with asbestos exposure. The risks for gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers also dramatically increase with prolonged exposure.
Compensation for Your Injuries
Over 125 million workers across the world are exposed to asbestos and other related materials over the course of a year. If you work in one of the high-risk occupations in which exposure to asbestos is common, your risk is extremely high. Firefighters, shipyard workers, mechanics, and construction workers are continually exposed to asbestos in ways they may not even realize.
If you are employed in one of these positions, or many others, and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition due to asbestos exposure in the workplace, call your personal injury attorney today to get the compensation you deserve.