Asbestos Plant Workers

United States Asbestos Industry

While the asbestos mining and manufacturing industry have died down in the United States, it was a bustling industry that peaked in 1973. Some manufacturing plants are still operating today.

Asbestos plant workers who inhaled asbestos fibers are at risk of developing asbestosis and mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer, later in life.

Asbestos Plant Workers Roles

Asbestos plant workers were responsible for receiving raw asbestos from mines and then processing it into a variety of products.

During its heyday, there were hundreds of active asbestos mines and manufacturing plants throughout the United States.

Asbestos manufacturing is a relatively simple process, following several stages:

• Raw asbestos is received as fiber bundles and placed into a fiberizing machine that breaks down the asbestos further.
• Asbestos fibers are then carded — a process in which fibers are cleaned, fluffed up, and then separated into smaller strands. These strands are then bundled together into a “sliver.”
• Some asbestos slivers become cement, processed through a variety of machines that properly prepare the asbestos and combine it with other raw ingredients.
• Other asbestos slivers are spun and twisted into yarn and then placed onto looms. These looms determine the size of the asbestos cloth. Some of this cloth is ready to be distributed and used for insulation, fire-resistant blankets, and protective clothing.
• The remaining asbestos is then plaited, a process in which the cloth is pulled into ropes, yarns, and strings. Plaited asbestos is commonly used in sealants, caulking, and packing materials.

Although the overall process is simple, the individual steps are complicated and use specific machinery and tools to accomplish the desired output. Asbestos plant workers may be responsible for working the machines, maintaining quality control, supervising employees, cleaning up waste, or a variety of other roles.

Asbestos Plant Workers and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a vicious form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos plant workers in an environment with asbestos fibers accidentally inhale and ingest the fibers.

These asbestos fibers then become lodged in the pleura or peritoneum, the linings of the lungs and abdomen respectively. Over time, these lodged asbestos fibers cause nearby cells to mutate into mesothelioma, deadly cancer that forms tumors and spreads throughout the body.

Exposure to these asbestos fibers several decades ago can result in mesothelioma today, as it typically takes 20 to 50 years for symptoms to develop. Asbestos plant workers who have long retired may be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Unfortunately, for the majority of people, mesothelioma is fatal.

Compensation for Asbestos Plant Workers

If you worked in an asbestos plant in the United States, you are at risk of developing mesothelioma later in life. Once mesothelioma has advanced, there is no cure. However, you may be able to receive compensation for any loss in wages or medical expenses, as well as punitive damages for your suffering.

Our Justice Support Team can tell you more about mesothelioma and compensation. See all the ways we can help.