Former Cleveland, Ohio workers at the Aluminum Smelting & Refining plant in Maple Heights may have been exposed to asbestos, and have an increased risk to develop lung diseases and deadly cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Recent medical studies have concluded aluminum smelting increases the risk of workers developing lung and bladder cancer.
Like many other companies in the aluminum and refining industry, the Cleveland, Ohio plant commonly used asbestos as an insulator on its work sites. For decades, this dangerous material went unregulated as it posed terrible health risks, often being sent airborne and inhaled by workers in aluminum smelting facilities.
Asbestos fibers can be very dangerous, causing internal lung scarring, and in extreme cases, deadly tumors. Asbestos can rest in the lungs for many years, causing cancer including mesothelioma.
Many former workers at Aluminum Smelting and Refining plants have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated personal injury lawyer representing plaintiffs nationwide in a wide variety of toxic tort and mesothelioma claims.
Asbestos Found in Maple Heights, Ohio Facility
Workers at Cleveland, Ohio’s Aluminum Smelting & Refining Company were possibly exposed to asbestos in several areas of the production site. And even if workers were not directly participating in the production process, all workers may have been exposed to asbestos and risk developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos was commonly used as insulation in equipment that included the following:
• Ovens
• Hot blast stoves
• Generators
• Furnaces
• Rolling mills
• Tanks
• Boilers
• Cranes
• Steam pipes
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Those who develop mesothelioma may not show signs of illness for several years, even decades, after their first exposure. By the time symptoms appear, however, mesothelioma has most likely reached an advanced stage. Breathing asbestos fibers into the lungs may permanently damage tissue surrounding the lungs. This could serve as the primary source for the development of mesothelioma.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can be varied, and depend on several factors. Symptoms may include the following:
• Pain in the chest and rib area
• Persistent cough
• Trouble breathing
• Lumps of tissue on the chest and abdomen
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Weight loss
Medical professionals recommend that former workers at Aluminum Smelting and Refining Company contact their doctor about possible exposure to asbestos.
Occupations at Highest Risk of Exposure
There are many jobs in the metal industry that regularly faced asbestos exposure hazards. The positions at Aluminum Smelting & Refining Co. most commonly exposed to asbestos include:
• Pipefitter
• Machinist
• Boilermaker
• Smelter
• Welder
• Insulator
• Maintenance Crews
Legal Action: Aluminum Smelting Asbestos Exposure
Because of the overwhelming use of asbestos in Aluminum Smelting and Refining work sites around the country, many Ohio workers affected by asbestos-related diseases have sought financial compensation through litigation.
Attorneys for victims contend that asbestos manufacturers and metal corporations knew about the serious health dangers of asbestos as early as the 1930s and failed to warn employees.
