Asbestos in Metal Works

Those who have toiled in America's metal works plants have literally helped to build the United States. Steel, iron, and aluminum plant workers made the parts that built America's skyscrapers, bridges, airplanes, automobiles, rocket ships, and a variety of other items that today are simply part of everyday modern life.

A look inside any metal works plant provides a clear picture of the obvious dangers of being an employee at one of these facilities. The men and women who work inside these plants have always faced a number of hazards, including the potential of injury caused by heat and fire. Less obvious, however, were the invisible dangers such as the risk of being exposed to hazardous asbestos, a material widely used as insulation inside most metal plants that were in operation prior to 1980. Asbestos was long used to line high-temperature equipment such as ovens, furnaces, tanks, pipes, and boilers, and workers would even don protective clothing made from asbestos fabric.

The reason for such abundant use of asbestos was clear to plant owners. It was an excellent insulator, was extremely durable, and was quite inexpensive. However, asbestos had a dark side as well. Whenever it became worn or damaged or was cut, grinded, or otherwise manipulated, it released tiny airborne fibers that could be inhaled by those working nearby. These fibers would become embedded in the chest and workers would later develop pulmonary problems.

Sadly, the dangers of asbestos were evident as early as the 1930s but use continued in America's metal works plants until the late 1970s, despite warnings by medical professionals. Because these hazards were ignored, employees who were regularly exposed to the toxic mineral would eventually suffer the consequences, developing debilitating diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer. Therefore, if you were exposed to asbestos while working at one of the many steel, iron, or aluminum plants throughout the country, it is essential to monitor your health regularly.

If you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it's important to learn about your legal rights as a victim of asbestos exposure. For more information about obtaining compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering, please complete the form on this page.