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Asbestos 101: What Should You Know?

Although the hazards of asbestos are well-known today, the health risks asbestos poses to individuals employed in automotive, construction and other industries still exists. OSHA and EPA guidelines require employers to comply with safety guidelines regarding asbestos containment and mitigation, but following these procedures can be laborious and costly.

If your employer cuts corners on compliance to save money, your health can suffer. The attorneys at Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP advocate for individuals suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. We will use our knowledge of government regulations and the legal process to secure fair compensation for your injuries.

The History Of Asbestos

Asbestos contains naturally occurring fibers that insulate well, are fire resistant, and are durable. Companies operating in the transportation and building sectors relied on this substance to extend the life of their products, limit fire hazards from friction, and other causes.

Asbestos was associated with lung cancer as early as 1935, and the link was confirmed by 1955. Legislators have passed a series of bills that prohibit its use in large quantities; however, asbestos can still be found in brake pads, insulation and various other products.

Jobs And Industries Associated With Asbestos

Workers can come into contact with materials containing this dangerous substance during maintenance, manufacturing, demolition, and remodeling projects. The risk of exposure is high in these industries:

  • Construction, affecting insulators, pipefitters, plumbers, electricians, laborers, painters, dry wallers, roofers, and other trades.
  • Manufacturing and refining, affecting metal workers, sheet metal workers, oil refinery workers, and chemical plant workers.
  • Firefighting, affecting first responders and firefighters.
  • Mechanics from work with brake linings, clutches, and gaskets.

While houses and buildings under construction today must meet strict asbestos guidelines, asbestos hazards remain in older structures. When workers are exposed to asbestos, they and their family members are at risk because this fiber is easily transported on clothing and on the human body. Our lawyers have successfully represented family members affected by secondhand asbestos contact.

What Asbestos Does To The Body

The properties that make asbestos such an attractive substance to use in construction and transportation also make asbestos such a dangerous substance to humans exposed to it. Asbestos fibers are carcinogenic, causing cancer in the lungs (and other parts of the body) when they are inhaled. These microscopic fibers can also become embedded in the lining of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for years, after which it may be too advanced to treat.

Filing An Asbestos Lawsuit Is Complex; We Can Help

Our attorneys have decades of experience handling asbestos-related lawsuits for exposure victims and their loved ones. We tirelessly advocate for our clients’ rights to receive maximum compensation and will not back down from a fight in court.

Whether you need a zealous attorney by your side in Illinois or elsewhere within the United States, we are ready to help. Schedule your free initial consultation by calling 309-828-5099 or emailing our Bloomington office today.