Asbestos was widely used in piping and insulation in shipbuilding, construction, steel plants and other industrial areas because of its durability and resistance to heat.
Welders and other workers were likely exposed over the years, increasing the risk of developing mesothelioma and other Mesothelioma Cancer. Much of the asbestos is still in place, and may continue to be a hazard for workers.
A study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine identified welding among the high-risk occupations in terms of asbestos exposure.
Occupational exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for lung cancer, asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of the tissue surrounding the lungs.
If you worked as a welder before the 1980’s, you may be at risk of developing a severe respiratory illness, and may have an injury claim against a negligent employer.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Cincinnati mesothelioma attorney reviewing welders asbestos exposure and representing injured plaintiffs nationwide in personal injury and workplace exposure lawsuits.
Welders Asbestos Exposure
Welders were likely handling dozens of materials that contained asbestos fibers, including piping, boilers, welding rods, insulation, machinery and protective equipment.
Because of a long latency period of mesothelioma, diagnoses and lawsuits are still quite common in Ohio and throughout the industrial areas of the country.
Hundreds of thousands of welders may have been put at risk—one of the riskier professions in terms of toxic exposure—and injuries are common in industries that include:
- Auto Industry
- Shipbuilding
- Steel & Aluminum
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Construction
- Power Plants
- Oil Refineries
Welders Asbestos Illness
We know now of a strong link between welders asbestos exposure and lung diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Both individual welders and their families were at risk, when welders brought asbestos dust and fibers back home on clothing and equipment.
Studies have established that welders have been at an increased risk of respiratory illness, as a result of certain toxic exposure throughout a career. Experts have agreed that even a small exposure to asbestos and other toxins can cause adverse health consequences.
Workers who spent years on the job, unprotected and vulnerable, are likely to develop an asbestos-related illness, including:
Welders Cancer & Toxic Exposure
There are several Welding Injuries associated with welding, the majority of which concern chemicals and inhaling toxic fumes.
For welders, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), potential toxins include zinc, cadmium, beryllium, iron oxide, mercury, lead, fluoride, chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents, phosgene, carbon monoxide, ozone and nitrogen oxides. Working in Workplace Ventilation Risks also contributed to the known hazards.
Asbestos may not be the first thing a welder was concerned with when they considered protecting themselves, but it certainly has been deadly for many unsuspecting American workers. Welders were provided protective equipment, such as gloves or blankets, which may have been manufactured with asbestos.
Because of its solid insulating ability, strength and heat resistance, asbestos was commonly used in hundreds of industrial applications, many of which welders would have spent time handling. Some welding rods even contained asbestos or were coated with asbestos.
Even a short duration of asbestos exposure can lead to serious illness and cancer risk. Following a diagnosis of mesothelioma, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis or asbestosis, victims and families can contact an asbestos lawyer to investigate.
