Industrial Workers - Mesothelioma Risks
Industrial plants manufacture products in mass quantities. Much of the work that takes place in an industrial plant is performed by machines, which are often operated, monitored, cleaned and maintained by employees. The skill level and jobs needed to operate an industrial plant vary and may include any of the following occupations:
- Laborer
- Welder
- Moulder
- Furnace men
- Smelter men
- Millwright
- Assembler
- Machine operator
- Custodial worker
- Maintenance worker
Before asbestos regulations came into effect in the 1970s, industrial workers may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos. In the past, asbestos was commonly incorporated into products due to its ability to insulate and fireproof materials. The machinery used to manufacture these products also contained asbestos components, as the mineral is able to withstand high temperatures and friction.
Asbestos Risks for Industrial Workers
An industrial setting such as a plant, factory or manufacturing facility may expose workers to asbestos. These facilities provide large open spaces where airborne asbestos fibers can be dispersed. Fibers released in one area can easily travel to another, exposing employees who do not directly work with the substance.
While many industrial workers may have been exposed to airborne asbestos fibers generated from elsewhere in the facility, others may have been exposed more directly due to their individual tasks. The repair of insulated pipes, boilers and other machinery components may have disturbed asbestos particles, which may have been inhaled by workers in the factory.
Neighboring residents of an industrial plant may also have been exposed to asbestos. In the study "Modeling Mesothelioma Risk Associated with Environmental Asbestos Exposure," Italian researchers evaluated exposure impacts from an asbestos cement plant. The study analyzed 103 cases of mesothelioma between 1987 and 1993. The study found that residents who lived close to asbestos pollution from an industrial source had an increased risk for developing mesothelioma.
Resources for Industrial Workers
Industrial workers who have reason to suspect they were exposed to asbestos should inform their medical doctor. With notification, the physician can regularly monitor symptoms for diseases caused by asbestos.
You may be interested in receiving treatment if you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos. Our Doctor Match Program can assist in finding experienced doctors and answering questions regarding financial assistance.
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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.
