Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is resistant to heat and flame. For this reason, it was once common in home building materials. Unfortunately, however, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause life-threatening lung diseases. Once the government realized the...
Factors that increase your risk of an asbestos-related disease
When you make your living working in mining, construction, mining, chemical manufacturing or the automotive industry in Illinois, you face heightened risks of on-the-job asbestos exposure. A substance used in North America since the late 1800s, asbestos is also a...
What is bronchiolitis obliterans?
Exposure to asbestos creates numerous health problems in any individual. Unfortunately, asbestos is still used in many manufacturing processes and products today. Not only that, but many older buildings still have asbestos as part of the construction materials. This...
The link between firefighting and mesothelioma
When you make your living as an Illinois firefighter, you face work-related hazards every day. Burns, mental stresses and similar issues are all common among workers in your industry. However, many firefighters also face risks stemming from their exposure to...
What is pleural effusion?
Asbestos-related diseases can turn your life upside down and impact your well-being in detrimental ways. Pleural effusion, for example, can prevent you from working, cause emotional distress and even impact your personal relationships. Understanding what pleural...
What is atelectasis?
When asbestos exposure occurs on a regular basis, numerous lung diseases and difficulties can arise. According to the Mayo Clinic, atelectasis is a breathing complication that can occur after inhaling a foreign object. The condition causes collapse within the lung....
The link between asbestos and mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that is generally caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a name for materials that were used to help fireproof homes, warehouses and other buildings. During the 1970s, a series of laws were passed in an effort to...
When do symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses appear?
Most Illinois residents are aware that exposure to asbestos can be dangerous. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from asbestos-related illnesses were exposed to it before the full extent of the damage it can cause was understood. Symptoms can show up as little as a...
3 ways employers may fail to minimize asbestos risks
From construction and demolition workers to firefighters, metal workers and mechanics, employees in many different industries may risk asbestos exposure on a day-to-day basis. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, even a few day’s exposure to...
Is an employer responsible for protecting you from asbestos?
Most adults throughout Illinois depend on an employer to keep them safe at work. Keeping employees safe against the threat of robberies, accidents, and other concerns is important. With that said, you'll also want to consider if the company you work for is keeping you...
