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Asbestos is the name given to a family of minerals that occur naturally in various parts of the world. Asbestos has been used in a variety of contexts for literally thousands of years. For example, the Ancient Greeks appreciated asbestos' ability to withstand fire and so would weave table cloths from asbestos fibers and then toss them in the fire when they got dirty, to great success. While asbestos has many useful properties, it is also a very dangerous fiber once it is disturbed. It is the leading cause of the cancer mesothelioma as well as believed to be a factor in a variety of other cancers.
Asbestos exposure can occur at any time in a variety of situations. Most people in their lifetimes are exposed to asbestos at some point in the air, water, or soil. It is only when the concentration of fibers is great or the exposure is prolonged that problems begin to arise.
Individuals in the construction industry are at high risk for asbestos exposure, particularly if they are involved in demolition or renovation of older buildings. Buildings constructed prior to the early 1970s have the potential to have much more asbestos in them and so demolition of these buildings is dangerous to the individuals who work on the projects.
Another group of individuals at high risk for asbestos exposure are those who work with cars. It is a lesser known fact that many brake pads and clutches on cars and larger vehicles involve heavy use of asbestos due to its durability and fire-proof characteristics. Mechanics are therefore at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Once exposed, it may take a long time for mesothelioma, the main asbestos cancer, to develop; however, there are other side effects of exposure that are less life threatening and also occur earlier on in the process.
Contact a Boston Workers' Compensation Attorney
If you have been exposed to asbestos on the job or been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a Boston workers' compensation attorney from Pulgini & Norton at 1-888-344-2046 to schedule an initial consultation and to discuss your options.
