Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer and other severe lung diseases. However, despite the high risks of asbestos, many workers still handle it to carry out their work duties in the United States. The chemical and heat resistant properties of asbestos make it useful for different industries. However, the consequence for workers who have asbestos exposure is the same: the risk of developing a life-changing disease.
High-risk occupations
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that resists heat, chemicals and fire. Because of this, asbestos is useful for commercial and industrial applications. The workers who are at most risk for an asbestos-related disease are:
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Maritime and shipyard workers
- Firefighters
- Miners
- Refinery workers
- Pipefitters
- Boilermakers
- Navy veterans
- Drywallers
- Automobile mechanics
- Power plant workers
Family members of these workers can also develop cancer when the workers take asbestos home on their clothes.
Rightful compensation
Symptoms of cancer and chronic lung diseases can appear years later after asbestos exposure. Workers inhale or ingest the minerals without even realizing it. Years after, they discover that the cause of their disease was their proximity to these minerals. All workers deserve to ask their employers for compensation if they develop an occupational disease after working with asbestos.
A worker’s right
Usually, workers can get compensation for their asbestos-related disease even though the exposure to these minerals occurred a long time ago. By receiving compensation, ill workers don’t need to pay for the expensive medical treatment that cancer or chronic lung disease requires. Workers deserve to exercise their rights and receive their rightful compensation for their and their families’ suffering.