At one time asbestos was heralded as a miracle substance. Asbestos is an economical, lightweight mineral that is heat, water and acid resistant; non-flammable; does not conduct electricity and is impervious to pests. Unfortunately, these same phenomenal asbestos fibers can also be deadly to individuals when swallowed or inhaled.
Years ago, there were some industries with asbestos work sites that left workers especially vulnerable to asbestos exposure, including:
• Construction sites
• Shipyards
• Auto repair
• Power plants
• Oil refineries
• Railroads
• Emergency responders, such as firefighting
• Mining
People who worked in these types of settings in the 1950s or 1960s are at a risk for developing mesothelioma. Because the disease can remain “silent” for 20-50 years, many workers from this timeframe are just now realizing that they have the disease.
Today asbestos exposure is not as widespread as it was 30-50+ years ago. This is due, in part, to asbestos bans and warnings. However, asbestos still exists and can still be a dangerous force. The World Trade Center tragedy of 9/11 stirred up a great amount of asbestos into the air, which has already proven deadly to some rescue and clean-up workers.
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to damages. Please contact our mesothelioma attorneys at Brown | Kiely, LLP to schedule a free consultation to review your unique situation.
