Many Still at Risk
Before the mid 1970’s regulations for asbestos exposure were for all practical purposes non-existent. Therefore, if you worked in the steel mills of Cleveland, Gary, Pittsburgh or the auto industry in Detroit or any of the other mining, milling, shipping, or railroad industries you should be aware that you are part of the at risk population.
Before the mid 1970’s regulations for asbestos exposure were for all practical purposes non-existent
You also should be aware that those industries employed a variety of tradesmen, mechanics, engineers, machine operators, laborers and thousands of others of different titles and occupations that may have exposed. The DiCello Law Firm believes it is important that you think about where you worked and remember how many different products contained asbestos.
Workers
For instance, you may not have worked in the auto industry making brake pads with asbestos but you may have been a mechanic that changed them and were exposed to fibers. Or, you may not have installed or manufactured insulation that contained asbestos but you may have worked as a laborer doing demolition of a warehouse or building that used asbestos laden insulation. A great example of thousands of people who suffered exposure to asbestos were all of those exposed to the debris of the World Trade Center North Tower that fell on September 11, 2001.
Family and Friends
Families and friends of those who worked the jobs talked about above unfortunately can develop not only asbestosis but also mesothelioma even if they never themselves worked with asbestos. We’ve found that these tiny sharp particles that can be breathed in or ingested can also be brought home on clothing, in hair, on the body, etc., where the particles are then allowed to enter the bodies of those at the home. Studies confirm that high levels of of asbestos have been found in the lungs of family members and those living in the same homes as workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace. In many cases the levels found in the family members are just has high as the worker.
Finally, as we have seen with the World Trade Center Disaster, just living or working near an area with asbestos exposure whether waste sites or asbestos-related industries can put people at risk. The important point to consider is, “did you ever live or work where you could have come into contact with asbestos”. This question is critical if you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or mesothelioma because unless you can identify when and where you were exposed you may not be able to get any recovery for your illness.
What should you do?
If you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos, the first thing that you should do is speak with your doctor and have a physical examination conducted. If it is included that your exposure level to asbestos has harmed you, then the next step is to contact our firm. We are proud to fight for those who have become victims of asbestos exposure. We will provide you with a case evaluation which can inform you of the next steps to take toward your compensation and recovery.