Which Industries Put Workers Most at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is the lining around the body's internal organs. It is most commonly associated with the inhalation of powdered asbestos. Although companies and the federal government have made significant strides in the past decades to minimize their workers' risk of being exposed to asbestos on the job, individuals in certain industries are still exposed to the dangerous material every day. These industries tend to be the ones that traditionally put workers at risk of being exposed to asbestos and are responsible for many cases of mesothelioma today.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma and you believe it is linked to your current or previous career, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages through a workplace injury claim. Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning that it could be decades after your exposure that you begin to see its symptoms.

Although the military is not technically considered to be an industry, previous military service is a common factor associated with mesothelioma. In fact, military veterans account for approximately 30 percent of the mesothelioma cases reported in the United States despite being only approximately eight percent of the total population.

Asbestos was used as insulation in military buildings and on all ships commissioned from 1930 to 1970. Simply working on these ships put service members at risk of asbestos exposure, leading to the high mesothelioma rates among Navy veterans today.

Asbestos is known for its insulating and fire-retardant properties. This is why it was used in paint, drywall, tiles, roof shingles, piping, and many other building materials. Virtually every home in the United States that was built before the 1980s contains asbestos, and individuals who built or currently work on these homes are at risk of suffering from mesothelioma because of their asbestos exposure.

This is another field where, as in the construction field, asbestos was used in many products because of its use as an insulator. Individuals who worked in vehicle manufacturing, shipbuilding, steelwork, and chemical manufacturing are all at a heightened risk of suffering from mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure at work.

Firefighters have a heightened risk of asbestos exposure for a few reasons. One is that when a home or other building is on fire, asbestos fibers can easily become airborne, putting all who enter during the fire or afterward at risk of inhaling them. Firefighting equipment, such as older helmets and boots, can also contain asbestos, as can the firehouse itself.

If you are suffering from mesothelioma after a career of working with or near asbestos, you could be entitled to recover compensation for your losses. Work with a dedicated San Jose workplace accident attorney who can answer your questions and represent your interests. At Corsiglia, McMahon, & Allard, L.L.P., we proudly serve clients throughout the Bay Area, San Mateo County, Alameda County, San Benito County, Monterey County, and Santa Clara County.

• U.S. Federal Bans on Asbestos
• Asbestos Illness Related to Military Service