As more is learned about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, the list of at-risk occupations and dangerous products seems to grow exponentially. Whether the concern is centered on hazardous careers, consumer products or construction materials, the danger of deadly consequences is unmistakable. One at-risk occupation is those who currently work or have worked in a boiler room.
As a fire-resistant mineral, asbestos was a highly sought-after material used in the construction of products designed to be utilized in areas of extreme temperatures. Ovens, boilers, insulation and steam pipes all relied heavily on asbestos to protect workers and consumers alike. Additionally, tiling, siding, roofing materials and other construction products contained asbestos fibers to guard against heat transfer and fire danger. Unfortunately, as the materials cracked with use or deteriorated with age, the asbestos fibers themselves could be inhaled or ingested leading to deadly conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer.
Military ships often featured boiler rooms or fire rooms designed to boil water and transfer it to the engine room where it would be used to power the ship. Due to the proximity to the material and the duration of the exposure, Navy veterans who worked in boiler rooms have shown a statistically high chance of ultimately developing mesothelioma. These workers and machinists, pipefitters and firefighters were often required to work with asbestos-insulated tools or materials.
It is crucial that those in at-risk occupations take immediate steps to protect themselves and hold those responsible for the dangerous conditions accountable for their actions or negligent safety practices.