May 22, 2017
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lungs. It is typically caused by long-term exposure to asbestos and is most commonly found in industrial workers exposed to asbestos without proper protection. Asbestos is a mineral that has been used throughout the decades in construction and building materials, but since the discovery of its safety hazard to the health of workers, its use has since drastically declined.
When asbestos is disturbed or moved in any way, it releases very tiny bristle-like mineral fibers into the air, that when inhaled by human lungs, get’s trapped in the alveoli. A worker who breathes in these tiny mineral fibers expose themselves to a large risk of mesothelioma. In order to avoid this, an employer must not only protect all workers from exposure to asbestos, but they must isolate and contain the area with asbestos, as well as have only an authorized or “competent” person abate it.
It’s difficult to know if asbestos is present, but according to this handout by OSHA.gov, “The hazard may occur during manufacturing of asbestos-containing products; performing brake or clutch repairs; renovating or demolishing buildings or ships; or clean up from those activities; contact with deteriorating asbestos-containing materials and during cleanup after natural disasters. Some materials are presumed to contain asbestos if installed before 1981. Examples of these materials, as well as other presumed asbestos-containing materials are:
If you suspect you have Mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at work, then you have a right to take a legal course of action. This infographic will break down the various important things to know about Mesothelioma, so you can make a decision regarding taking the next steps toward legal action.
