Mesothelioma and the Industries Affected By It
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the lining of various organs and body areas like the heart, abdomen and lungs. It is sometimes called “asbestos cancer” due to asbestos exposure being the overwhelming cause of Mesothelioma in the United States. There is no known cure for Mesothelioma.
Due to asbestos being a mineral that was used in thousands of products, from floor tiles to household appliances, for many years, several industries have been affected by it. Workers in industries (like ship building, construction and others) that used these products may have been exposed to asbestos. When disturbed, asbestos releases tiny fibers that, when inhaled, travel deep into the lungs and cause scarring (asbestosis). Besides causing Mesothelioma, exposure to these asbestos fibers can also cause colon cancer, lung cancer and larynx cancer.
The Ship Building Industry and Mesothelioma
During WWII was the peak of asbestos use in the ship building industry, since the demand for ships was at an all-time high. Commonly used to insulate engines, pipes, gaskets and boilers to prevent heat gain or loss, asbestos was lightweight and therefore quite useful in ships.
The Construction Industry and Mesothelioma
Commonly used as insulation (both general and around piping and boilers) or to increase the tensile strength of concrete pillars and slabs, asbestos was used in building construction up until the mid-1970s. Workers were exposed to airborne, easily-inhaled asbestos particles from the Great Depression until the 1970s since asbestos was commonly applied in spray form. But even today, asbestos is still commonly used as a strengthening additive in cement as well as in slating, tile and roofing.
The General Industry and Mesothelioma
Auto repair shops, especially ones that specialize in brake in clutch repair, are the most common example of general industry asbestos exposure. This is due to asbestos being used for decades in break drums, clutches and break pads. So when brakes and clutches are being repaired, there is a risk for Mesothelioma.
If you are a Mesothelioma victim, or if you’re the loved one of a Mesothelioma victim, you may want to consider seeking legal help to get the compensation you deserve for your suffering. To find out more about industries affected by Mesothelioma, call 1-888-370-0121.
Tags: asbestos, asbestos exposure, asbestos in the workplace, industries affected by mesothelioma, lawyer, mesothelioma, mesothelioma and the construction industry, mesothelioma and the ship building industry
