Rope Packing - Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks
Asbestos was widely used in the 20th century for a variety of industrial and construction purposes, due to its fire resistance and excellent insulating properties. Asbestos rope packing was used for packing around boiler doors, pumps and valves, and heavily used in the ship-building industry. Workers involved in manufacturing asbestos-containing materials such as rope packing, as well as ship-yard workers and Navy workers were often exposed to asbestos through contact with asbestos rope packing and other construction materials.
In addition, the families of workers were often exposed to asbestos, as the fibers were brought into their homes on their clothing, hair and skin. Unfortunately, prior to the late 1970s, few precautions were taken to protect workers from asbestos exposure, and many companies did not inform workers of the dangers associated with exposure to the mineral.
Asbestos exposure can result in the development of serious illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs. Diseases caused by asbestos exposure often have long latency periods, meaning that two or more decades often elapse between initial asbestos exposure and the onset of the first symptoms of disease. For additional information about mesothelioma, symptoms and treatment options, please fill out the packet request form at the top, right of this page.
Any worker exposed to asbestos repeatedly is at risk for developing an asbestos-related disease. Asbestos was known to be hazardous as early as the 1930s, though the general public did not become aware of the dangers associated with the mineral until the 1970s, when the use of asbestos was restricted or regulated to protect workers. In addition, the majority of companies that used asbestos in manufacturing and for other industrial purposes failed to provide their workers with protective clothing.
Over the past several years many workers who developed asbestos-related diseases have successfully pursued legal action against the companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos. These people have been able to obtain financial compensation to help pay for medical expenses and replace lost income, and to compensate for the loss of quality of life caused by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
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