Weavers work in textile mills, weaving cloth used for a variety of commercial products. The mills that were used to manufacture cloth typically utilized a variety of fabrics. Because of this, many textile weavers may have been exposed to asbestos, a fine naturally-occurring toxic mineral. Asbestos is actually the only natural mineral that can be woven into fabric. Asbestos fabric was used for a variety of purposes because it is naturally fire proof and heat resistant, so cloth woven from its fibers was used to make protective clothing.

At one time, the manufacturing of asbestos cloth was big business. Asbestos cloth could be used to make coveralls, blankets and gloves that were used in a variety of industries. Because asbestos is heatproof, fireproof and does not conduct electricity, the protective clothing manufactured from asbestos cloth was used in many industries. Electrical workers, train conductors, tool and die makers and welders all wore protective gear manufactured by weavers that handled asbestos. Unfortunately the fabric that was designed to protect the employees from burns and heat may actually cause the development of an asbestos-related disease.

Even if the textile weavers did not weave cloth made from asbestos fibers themselves, the mills where weavers worked were often contaminated with asbestos residue from other projects. One of the benefits, and also one of the drawbacks of asbestos is that it is virtually indestructible. The fibers continually break down into smaller and smaller pieces, until they are microscopic, however they do not totally decompose. Asbestos dust stays in the air and on the soil of a contaminated area until it is professionally removed.

The air quality in towns that had textile mills was often poor as it was commonly contaminated with asbestos particles. If asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause inflammation and infection which can lead to the development of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma. For additional information about mesothelioma, causes, symptoms and treatment options, please click here to receive a complimentary packet.

In textile mills, the asbestos fibers from weaving projects are easily disturbed by the activity and machinery in the mill. One study determined that workers in textile mills that handled asbestos cloth had 300 times the level of asbestos in their bodies as those who did not work in the industry. High levels of asbestos in the body are one of the warning signs that you may be at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.

By the late 1970s, the general public realized that asbestos was hazardous, and pressure was placed on companies to avoid the use of the product. By 1978, asbestos use was prohibited. Despite the seemingly quick response to the concerns over asbestos exposure, many companies knew of these health concerns, but did not warn employees until the general public became aware.

Because of the long latency period between exposure to asbestos and the development of an asbestos-related disease, many weavers who worked in the industry prior to 1978 may only now be experiencing health problems associated with their exposure.

Two must read books for anyone who has or who is caring for someone with mesothelioma.

Get a Free Copy of Lean on Me or 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma.

Asbestos.com has experienced navy veterans on staff to assist veterans in answering questions about applying for asbestos-related VA Claims and other benefits.

*Asbestos.com is not affiliated with the
U.S. Department. of Veterans Affairs.

Naval Ships Index
Search through our extensive list of ships that used asbestos-containing products.
(e.g. USS Alabama BB 60)

Get matched with the top mesothelioma specialists in your area.

Learn what foods to eat, which to avoid, and the best supplements for the fight against cancer and chemotherapy recovery.

Pleural Mesothelioma May Have New Biomarker
09/01/2010 - In a recent article published in the online publication Modern Pathology, researchers may have found a new biomarker for malignant pleural mesotheliom..
Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos May be Banned in Taiwan
08/31/2010 - According to a news report, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of asbestos within the next decade. Lin C..
Mesothelioma Risk in Schools Can Be Managed
08/30/2010 - Seven schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia built between 1956 and 1974 have been found to contain a small amount of asbestos in sealants applied to the..