Working in oil production facilities presents several safety risks, which include exposure to toxic fumes and asbestos fibers, known to cause serious illnesses like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Oil refinery asbestos exposure occurred in numerous Louisiana facilities. Workers were likely exposed in the past to toxic asbestos materials that have been proven to cause deadly cancers and terrible health conditions.
Asbestos was utilized so commonly during building construction because it is an effective insulator and resists extreme heat and fire.
Some of Louisiana’s oil plants took no precaution to protect workers from the dangers of asbestos which resulted in injuries and deadly health consequences. This widespread negligence caused generations of oil plant workers to develop permanent asbestos-related diseases and lung conditions.
Citgo Refinery asbestos risk includes serious health conditions like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated personal injury lawyer representing plaintiffs nationwide in a wide variety of toxic tort and mesothelioma claims.
Citgo Refinery Asbestos & Risk of Exposure
Oil production plants usually contain large amounts of piping that connect separate manufacturing and storage tanks. These pipes, tanks, boilers, pumps, and other equipment may still contain asbestos.
Because the asbestos insulation was installed many years ago, it may be slowly deteriorating. Asbestos is especially toxic when it is naturally deteriorating and workers in the area are likely to inhale disturbed fibers, which can get lodged in tissue surrounding the lungs.
A published oil industry study states conclusively that exposure to asbestos in oil refineries causes pleural mesothelioma. The researchers determined mesothelioma should be considered an “occupational disease among oil refinery workers.”
In 2005, another damning report suggested that over 95 percent of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to past occupational asbestos exposure.
Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Disease
Mesothelioma and asbestosis can lay dormant for decades. Symptoms and related health concerns may not present until many years after exposure. When symptoms do show, however, they are quite pronounced and may include the following:
- Pain in the chest and lower back
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Heavy coughing
- Excessive sweating
- Severe fatigue
- Weight loss
Compensation for Mesothelioma Victims
Some of America’s largest corporations are oil companies that employ thousands of workers. These oil companies have a social responsibility and legal duty to provide their employees with safe working conditions. When they fail to properly protect workers, they are bound to compensate employees and families for medical costs, pain and suffering and lost earnings.
Workers in Citgo Refinery who have developed related health issues may have claims against former or current employers. Do not hesitate to seek assistance from an experienced and determined legal professional.
