Occupational Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Attorneys And The Population At Risk.
Since the turn of the century, many corporations were aware of the hazardous nature of asbestos and the dangers that the mineral posed to workers. It is estimated that each year there are over 2,500 people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
There have been many studies devoted to examining the links between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. Examples:
Occupational exposure to asbestos: Population at risk and projected mortality-1980-2030
Dr. William J. Nicholson, PhD , George Perkel, MA, Irving J. Selikoff, MD
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Volume 3 Issue 3, Pages 259 - 311
"Estimates have been made of the numbers of cancers that are projected to result from past exposures to asbestos in a number of occupations and industries. From 1940 through 1979, 27,500,000 individuals had potential asbestos exposure at work. Of these, 18,800,000 had exposure in excess of that equivalent to two months employment in primary manufacturing or as an insulator ( 2-3 f-yr/ml). 21,000,000 of the 27,500,000 and 14,100,000 of the 18,800,000 are estimated to have been alive on January 1, 1980.
It is further estimated that approximately 8,200 asbestos-related cancer deaths are now occurring annually. This will rise to about 9,700 annually by the year 2000. Thereafter, the mortality rate from past exposure will decrease, but still remain substantial for another three decades. "
Mesothelioma FAQ
What jobs are most at risk?
One of the main risk factors for developing mesothelioma is occupational exposure. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets the limits for what is deemed acceptable in the workplace. An increased risk of developing this mesothelioma has been found in several jobs including (this is a partial list):
Shipyard workers, people working in asbestos mines and mills, Boilermakers, Carpenters
Drywall, Electricians, Insulators, Iron Workers, Mechanics, Pipefitters, Plasters, Plumbers, Sheet metal workers, Steamfitters, Telephone workers, Paper mill workers, Welders, Longshoremen, Railway and Railroad workers, Engine Shop Workers, Aircraft Mechanics, Plant Maintenance Workers, Crush Workers, ,Grinder Operators, Paper Machine Workers, Punch Pressers, Warehousemen, Trippers, Pelletizers, Agglomerators.
What are some of the companies that designed, sold or manufactured asbestos products? A partial list would include:
Harbison-Walker Refractories Company, Hill Brothers Chemical Company,Honeywell International, Inc., H.K. Porter Company, Industrial Holdings Corp., Ingersoll-Rand
International Paper, John Crane, Johns-Manville Corp., Joy Machinery Co., Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation, Kaiser Gypsum Company, Inc., Keene Corporation
Kelly-Moore Paint Company, Kelsey-Hayes Co. / Fruehauf, Kentile Flors, Inc.,
Kimberly-Clark Corp., Lincoln Electric Co., Lorillard Tobacco Corp. / Kent, Lucent Technologies, Mack Trucks, Inc., Maremont Corp., Marley Cooling Tower Co., Mead Westvaco Corp., M.H. Detrick Company, National Gypsum Company, Nicolet (Keasby-Mattison), North American Refractories Company, Northrup Grumman, Owens-Corning Fibreglas Corporation, Owens-Illinois, Inc.
What about family members that were exposed?
There is growing evidence that some family members and those living with workers exposed to asbestos can also develop mesothelioma because of asbestos dust and particles being brought home on the clothing and hair of workers.
Mesothelioma Attorneys
If you believe that you have been harmed by asbestos exposure you should contact an attorney immediately to discuss your legal rights.