The use of asbestos has been largely outlawed in the U.S., but it was very commonly used in commercial and residential settings for decades before significant restrictions were made concerning its use.
Asbestos exposure is strongly associated with a fatal form of lung cancer called mesothelioma. One thing that separates mesothelioma from many other types of diseases is that the onset of symptoms is generally delayed by many years after exposure to asbestos. A person may not experience symptoms years, or even decades after they were initially exposed. These are a few of the industries that are now considered among the highest risk for former workers who may have been exposed to asbestos during the course of their duties decades ago.
Healthcare workers
During the 1970s and 80s, asbestos was seen as a useful material to use in the construction of hospitals because it was cheap and also heat resistant. The downside of this widespread asbestos use is that it exposed hospital workers and patients alike to hazardous material.
Factory workers
During the 70s and 80s, many factories weren’t just constructed with asbestos building materials, but they also dealt with it as a product. Through the use of machinery, asbestos particles would have been released into the air every single day. This scenario is especially dangerous because asbestos is at its most deadly when the fibers are broken down and become airborne.
These are just two of the more notable industries where asbestos exposure may have occurred, there are numerous others. If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, it could be the result of asbestos exposure that happened years ago. Seek legal guidance to find out more about your options in terms of pursuing compensation for your harm.