Union workers have historically been at risk for mesothelioma. This is because many union jobs were in professions where asbestos exposure was present. Over time, the inhalation of asbestos fibers caused scarring of the mesothelial lining of the lungs, which may eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Laws Protecting Union Workers from Asbestos
Starting in the 1970s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began passing legislation that required precautions to be taken around asbestos. Since these laws were enacted, the amount of new asbestos exposure for union workers has diminished.
Asbestos has been known as a hazardous material since the turn of the 20th century. For decades, companies have sought to hide the hazards of asbestos so that they could continue to profit from asbestos manufacturing and selling. Because of this fact, union workers can bring a lawsuit against companies that made, sold or utilized asbestos on the basis of negligence or similar legal grounds.
Union Jobs Affected by Asbestos Exposure
Some union jobs that were and can be affected by mesothelioma include, but are not limited to:
- Automotive workers
- Boilermakers/ Boilertenders
- Carpenters
- Construction workers
- Drywallers
- Electricians
- Engineers
- Glazers
- HVAC workers
- Iron workers
- Insulators
- Laborers
- Machinists
- Painters
- Pipefitters
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Roofers
- Shipbuilders and longshoremen
- Steel workers
- Transportation workers
- Utility workers
- And many more
Mesothelioma – Have You Been Exposed?
If a previous union job has you worried about being a common victim of mesothelioma, then it is important to educate yourself about the disease. Learning about mesothelioma's signs and symptoms is often the first step in understanding your risks.
If mesothelioma has become a terrible reality in your life, then legal compensation from a past employer or product manufacturer and/or other negligent party may be able to help cover medical bills, lost wages and suffering. In such cases, an experienced mesothelioma trial lawyer may be able to help you in your pursuit of fair compensation.