Did you get Labor Day off at work? For more than 100 years, laborers have been honored on the first Monday in September for their “contributions made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country” (US Dept of Labor).
Most Americans do not know that many blue-collar laborers are exposed to deadly asbestos fibers every day on the job. Here are just a few of the trades that are at high risk for asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis:
Construction Workers: Whether it is remodeling or building from scratch, many of the materials construction workers use contain asbestos fibers. Shingles, pipes, siding, ceiling and floor tiles, and joint compound are just a few of these materials.
Firefighters: Firefighters work hard to put out fires in different cities and towns all over the country. This can be a dangerous task when much of America’s commercial and residential buildings were constructed with asbestos materials. Firefighters must take extra care not to breathe in asbestos-contaminated air.
Teachers: You might be surprised to find out that teachers are some of the laborers affected by asbestos exposure on the job. Many of America’s school buildings were constructed during the peak of our country’s asbestos use. Today, teachers breathe in asbestos fibers from old floor tiles, deteriorating structures, and even the backing of chalkboards.
Asbestos-related diseases are caused by prolonged asbestos exposure over time. If you are a laborer experiencing the symptoms of an asbestos-related disease, you should alert your doctor immediately. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has attempted to regulate and restrict exposure to asbestos fibers on the job, many fail to protect their workers from harm.
If you have been exposed to asbestos on the job, you might be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Contact an experienced asbestos attorney to find out more.