A textile mill is “a factory or facility that produces textiles from yarn or fabric into usable textiles” as reported by Revolution Performance Fabrics. Some of the common products that are produced in this industry include clothing, couches, agricultural materials, and interiors for automobiles. This process involves weaving, dying, and manufacturing, which leaves great room for accidents and improper safety environments to occur. From the vast number of hazards, chemical exposure will be further investigated as asbestos, a raw mineral, is recognized to cause a rare type of cancer called mesothelioma. Textile mills and asbestos exposure was a common occurrence as asbestos was used in textile making processes that involved extreme heat.
Textile Mills and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is heat resistant and commonly used for insulation. The most common types of asbestos, popular for their commercial use, include actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysolite, crocidolite, and tremolite asbestos. In the textile mills, the asbestos that was used was mainly chrysolite. This type was found in many products and the Australian Government claims that “It is clear that chrysotile can cause mesothelioma”. The fiber is not initially hazardous when handled, but when damaged or crumbled, it is released into the air and can be inhaled.
In the textile mills, after a walkthrough and environmental sampling were completed, it was discovered that there was asbestos in the polypropylene bags. These bags were popular for “feed, seed, mineral, and construction industries” as reported by Bag Supply Company. Additionally, the American Journal of Industrial Medicine claims that these asbestos-contaminated bags “were cut open and used to cover bales of rags which were then distributed throughout the world”.
Textile mills had many different processes to create a vast range of products. Some of the materials created using the weaving and manufacturing process were:
· Canvas
· Wool
· Rope
· Mitts
· Blankets
· Jute bag
The clothing that was produced by these textile mills was also used as protective equipment for other industries using extreme heat. Unfortunately, there was another danger other than fire resistance they should have investigated further.
As mentioned earlier, mesothelioma was a risk for these textile mill workers. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that attacks the mesothelial tissue surrounding vital organs. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lungs, and the second most common type is peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the abdomen. The other forms make up less than one percent of all cases and include pericardial mesothelioma, occurring in the heart, and testicular. The symptoms that often persist with mesothelioma include chest pain, persistent cough, and difficulty breathing. However, these symptoms arise following 30-40 years after exposure, marking a long latency period. While there is currently no cure for the cancer, treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care are available to stop the cancer growth and minimize the symptoms.
Textile mill workers and individuals who have been exposed to and experienced symptoms of mesothelioma could be eligible for financial compensation. If you or someone you know has been affected by mesothelioma in the state of Pennsylvania, the Halpern Law Firm can help you receive compensation. For a free consultation, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form.
Sources:
https://www.revolutionfabrics.com/blogs/gotcha-covered/what-is-a-textile-mill
https://www.inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Products.php
