Cement Plant Workers
Workers at cement plants were responsible for mixing, forming and distributing a number of cement products. These workers were commonly required to stir asbestos and asbestos compounds into cement mixtures, cast the cement into blocks, mold items and service the machinery used in the manufacturing process. During each of these activities, cement plant workers may have been exposed to asbestos.
Cement Plant Workers and Asbestos Exposure
As early as 1905, cement factories in the United States were manufactured using asbestos cement. To create commercial cement blocks, portland cement was typically reinforced with asbestos fibers. Cement plant workers mixed approximately 15 to 25 percent asbestos with 75 to 85 percent cement to create a virtually indestructible product that could be used as a covering for boilers, pipes, furnaces and stills.
John-Manville was one of the first companies to produce asbestos cement compounds. Their asbestos-containing cement coating was marketed as a roof-repairing material, and soon other manufacturers were creating similar cement sealants for use in chimneys, skylights and shingles. Other companies that manufactured asbestos cement products include:
- Keasbey & Mattison
- Philip Carey Manufacturing Company
- Flintkote Company
- Baltimore Roofing & Asbestos Manufacturing Co.
A 1991 study of 839 workers from two New Orleans asbestos cement factories found that long-term workers at the facility were at a significantly higher risk for lung cancer and confirmed a correlation between asbestos exposure and asbestosis. Of the workers who had been employed until 1969, 153 workers had died by 1983.
One study found that cement factory workers experienced higher levels of oxidative stress, which is thought to play a role in the development of mesothelioma. Workers who were directly exposed to dust and particulate matter such as asbestos during their operations were found to have higher levels of oxidative stress biomarkers than cement factory workers with indirect exposure.
Despite the documented health risks posed by asbestos, a number of countries are still home to active asbestos cement factories. In India, at least 49 asbestos cement companies are currently in operation, generating upwards of $200 million in revenue. At the Hindustan Composites Mill in Mumbai, over 23 percent of workers displayed signs of asbestosis, yet few protective measures were instituted.
Resources for Cement Plant Workers
Due to the work environment and the products that were commonly handled, cement plant workers are at a high risk for developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like to learn more about your treatment and legal options, please fill out the form on this page to request a free informational packet delivered to your door overnight.
If you were employed at an asbestos cement plant, you may have inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers. Because this exposure is strongly linked to illness asbestos-related diseases, regular check-ups for these types of conditions are crucial. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician in your area, please contact the Mesothelioma Center's Doctor Match Program.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
