Asbestos Exposure in Pulp and Paper Mills
Most of the world has yet to become a fully electronic culture, which makes pulp and paper mills a necessity everywhere. They turn wood into paper.
In fact, the manufacture of pulp and paper is one of the oldest and largest industries in the United States. Paper is an integral part of our daily lives, but like many industrial processes, the production of paper has impacted our environment and our health. Health concerns include occupational hazards and sometimes involve nearby communities because of toxins in the air, soil and water.
Pulp mills separate wood fibers through either a mechanical or chemical process, all while removing unwanted compounds like lignin, which is found in wood and plants. The resulting pulp is washed and bleached before being rolled and dried for shipping to paper mills.
Paper mills then process the wood pulp to make paper that can be used in a variety of ways. In modern paper mills, the machines responsible for making paper can reach 500 feet in length and stretch 30 feet wide.
One hazard that has historically been present in pulp and paper mills is the risk for asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral used for a variety of purposes among many industries, is toxic to human health when it becomes airborne and is inhaled. Occupational asbestos exposure is noted as one of the primary causes of mesothelioma cancer in the United States.
If you'd like to learn about some of the most at-risk occupations for asbestos exposure, visit our occupations section or fill out the form on this page to receive a free informational packet in the mail.
Pulp and Paper Mills in the United States
There are approximately 560 pulp and paper manufacturing facilities in 42 states, and combined they employ more than 200,000 people. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these facilities annually produce 9 million tons of pulp and are responsible for supplying paper for 26 billion newspapers, books and magazines.
Between 1990 and 2002, U.S. paper consumption increased from 84.9 million tons to 97.3 million tons. Throughout the past decade, the pulp and paper industry remained steady, experiencing now major up-ticks or downturns related to employment or company growth.
In 2002, the top five paper product companies included International Paper, Georgia-Pacific, Weyerhaeuser, Kimberly-Clark, and Proctor & Gamble. Pulp and paper mills are most common in the Northeast and Southeast regions of the United States. Oregon and Washington are two states that have heavy production, thanks to dense forests in each area.
Hazards within the pulp and paper manufacturing industry typically involve the misuse of equipment and the risk of being hit or crushed by rolling pulp loads. If mishandled, the size and weight of finished pulp loads is enough to crush or seriously injure workers. In addition, pulp and paper mill workers have historically been at risk for asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used as a safety measure to prevent fires and provide insulation, but it was also hazardous to human health.
Asbestos Dangers in Pulp and Paper Mills
Prior to asbestos regulations being implemented in the United States between the 1970s and '80s, risk for asbestos exposure among pulp and paper mill workers was high. Asbestos was used as insulation around walls, pipes, electrical components and machinery. In many cases, the machines used to process and manufacture pulp and paper were made with asbestos-containing parts.
While all workers within pulp and paper mills were at risk of inhaling airborne asbestos fibers, maintenance workers who repaired equipment and performed upkeep on the facilities faced even higher risks for exposure. In a 1996 study "Health Effects of Working in Pulp and Paper Mills: Malignant Diseases," researchers noted high risks for asbestos exposure in pulp and paper mills and said maintenance workers at these facilities face an increased risk for lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The risk for asbestos exposure sometimes depended on customer needs. For example, pulp mills may have been asked to include a number of additives during the bleaching process, including dyes, resins, clays and even asbestos.
Asbestos is no longer a part of the process. Some pulp and paper mills were asked to manufacture asbestos-containing products, including roofing felt, insulation and siding material, to name a few. These products were applied to pipes, boilers, floor tiles, ductwork and roofs, all common sources for asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Lawsuits and Paper Mills
In 2009, former paper mill worker Henry Barabin and his wife were awarded a $10.2 million verdict after Mr. Barabin was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Two manufacturers of asbestos-containing dryer fabrics were held responsible for failing to warn users of their products that asbestos exposure was possible. The two companies included Scapa Dryer Fabrics, Inc. and AstenJohnson Inc.
In another case involving paper mills, three former paper mill employees were awarded compensation from Scapa Dryer Fabrics, Inc., after Scapa was held liable for knowingly exposing them to asbestos and failing to provide protection against exposure. The workers held jobs as millwrights and machine operators. Walter Patton was awarded $514,220 while the other two employees were awarded $259,045 and $76,102.
Resources for Pulp and Paper Mill Workers
If you have been affected by asbestos exposure during your employment at a pulp or paper mill, it is important to learn about the signs and symptoms of asbestos-related diseases. Early detection can significantly improve prognosis and treatment options. Financial assistance may also be available for those needing help with lost income or medical bills. For more information, complete the form on this page or call (800) 615-2270.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Friday, April 27th, 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.
