Plumbers and Asbestos Exposure Risk
When it comes to plumbers carrying out their job, they often encounter a hidden danger – exposure to asbestos. Due to asbestos’s heat resistant properties, plumbers commonly used asbestos in numerous plumbing components and insulation materials. Asbestos fibers would release into the air while carrying out routine tasks such as cutting pipes, replacing valves, handling insulation, and more, which posed a significant health risk.
Asbestos-Containing Plumbing Products
For plumbers, manipulation of pipes has been known to have been a common source of asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers would release into the air as plumbers would cut and drill through pipes. Asbestos fibers, once inhaled, can build up in the body and cause serious inflammation and scarring, which could then lead to severe asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
In addition, plumbers dealt with pumps, valves, and gaskets that contained asbestos, putting them at more risk. When these components wear out over time due to constant pressure and circulation of fluids, they need replacement. When plumbers begin to remove or replace these parts, asbestos fibers release into the air and surrounding environment, causing a serious health hazard that can be easily inhaled by workers.
Asbestos-containing plumbing products were commonly manufactured between the 1940’s and 1970’s, putting plumbers at even greater risk due to the materials’ age. Several of these products include cement pipes, heat shields, insulation materials, and joint compounds. Although asbestos’s inherent strength and heat resistance properties made it a useful addition to these materials, the health consequences that later manifest aren’t worth the risk.
Legal Options and Assistance
Plumbers who have suffered asbestos-related diseases do have legal options to seek compensation. In addition, family members who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma may qualify to file wrongful death lawsuits. To navigate these legal processes effectively, it is crucial for affected individuals to seek the assistance of experienced mesothelioma lawyers who specialize in asbestos litigation. This ensures that claims are filed correctly and increases the chances of securing substantial compensation to cover medical expenses and other related costs.
In conclusion, it is essential for plumbers to be aware of the potential asbestos hazards in their line of work. Understanding the risks associated with asbestos exposure, recognizing the asbestos-containing products they may encounter, and knowing their legal options can help plumbers protect their health and rights as they continue their work.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, please call the Halpern Law Firm at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our form for legal help. Call today for a free case evaluation and to get more information. We have over 30 years of experience and have won over $100 million for our clients.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
https://www.drainkingplumbers.ca/blog/asbestos-in-plumbing-what-you-need-to-know/
Written By Jeff Nelson
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