Asbestos Exposure in Weavers

Records of Ancient Greece show use of asbestos in tablecloths, linens and other handmade items. Its thin, fibrous crystals were a dream come true for weavers who later commercially produced goods made from asbestos in the United States.

Weaver Roles and Responsibilities

Weavers were responsible for weaving asbestos fibers into cloth, one of the final steps in the fabrication process at textile mills. Until the mid 1970s, many manufacturing facilities charged with making products out of asbestos operated throughout the U.S., particularly in the Carolinas.

Weavers who worked at these textile mills were responsible for creating a number of products, from asbestos alone or in combination with vegetable fibers, animal fibers or synthetic plastics. Although there are several asbestos types, most asbestos-based textiles use the longest fibers from chrysotile asbestos—a known carcinogen that can lead to deadly diseases.

Once research shed light on the fatal consequences of prolonged asbestos exposure, some of the mills that produced asbestos textiles were closed in the 1970s because they were too contaminated to remain open. Others, however, tried to retrofit and remodel to remove the asbestos contamination.

Even after asbestos was prohibited in manufacturing textiles, those who were in charge of operating or cleaning old machinery that was once contaminated with asbestos could still be at risk for developing a serious asbestos-related disease.

Weavers and Asbestos Exposure

Weavers were exposed to high levels of asbestos while preparing the fibers and during the fabrication process of textiles. Once disturbed, asbestos dust released into the air and could be inhaled into the lungs of employees.

Weavers who created the following products using asbestos are at high risk for developing serious asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma:

• Threads
• Clothing
• Yarns
• Wicks
• Cords
• Ropes
• Tapes
• Cloths
• Sheets
• Blankets
• Other linens

Cloths, uniforms and other goods made from asbestos became highly convenient for workers in the industrial, construction and military job sectors. Weavers created fireproof textiles for use in protective clothing such as firefighter suits or motorsport uniforms, and for garments, aprons and oven mitts for workers who were exposed to high heat.

Weavers and Mesothelioma

In several studies examining the risk of exposure to chrysotile asbestos in textile factory workers, there was a marked increase in lung cancer mortality—and that risk was strongly correlated with exposure level.

Any person employed as a weaver before asbestos was phased out is at high risk for developing several diseases, including mesothelioma. Those who operated or cleaned machinery used in the textile process or who lived in close proximity of textile mills that manufactured products made from asbestos also carry a risk of developing the illness.

Compensation for Weavers

Countless people employed as weavers before the 1980s could have been exposed to asbestos regularly, depending on the factory they worked in. Because many employers knowingly placed workers in danger, many weavers have since developed mesothelioma and may be eligible to claim legal compensation for their condition.

To learn more about how weavers diagnosed with mesothelioma can take legal action, contact the Justice Support Team today. Call us at (888) 360-4215 or request our free Mesothelioma Justice Guide for in-depth information on legal compensation and treatment options.