American Smelting & Refining (ASARCO) Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer
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Copper Asbestos Attorney
Representing American Smelting & Refining Workers in Mesothelioma & Asbestos Cancer Claims
Former Asarco workers at the Crockett or Selby, CA American Smelting 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 metal smelting increases the risk of workers developing lung and bladder cancer.
Like many other companies in the copper and refining industry, the Selby, CA 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 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 American 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 at Asarco
Workers at American 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 American 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 Asarco most commonly exposed to asbestos include:
- Pipefitter
- Machinist
- Boilermaker
- Smelter
- Welder
- Insulator
- Maintenance Crews
Legal Action: Asarco Asbestos Exposure
Because of the overwhelming use of asbestos in American Smelting and Refining work sites around the country, many California 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 employee
Handling Complex Asbestos Cases
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Why are these cases important?
Many experience asbestos exposure through the workplace. Workplaces may have been filled with toxic materials, and employers may have failed to warn of the serious health risks of the job. Filing a suit helps to raise the awareness of job safety.
Questions about Asarco Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was first utilized in the early 1900s for its insulating abilities, fireproof properties, and versatility. It has been estimated that over 30 million tons of asbestos was used in the American economy in industrial yards, homes, schools, shipyards, and other workplaces.
The natural breakdown of asbestos products and subsequent sawing or cutting of the asbestos creates dust and fibers that are inhaled and can lead to mesothelioma and other severe forms of lung cancer.
When asbestos breaks down over time or with use, the fibers of the material can become airborne, presenting a risk of inhaling or ingesting the toxin. Asbestos is a cancer-causing agent, and those heavily exposed can develop scarring in the lungs and later develop lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos was widely used in piping, insulation, electrical components, machine parts, packaging, flooring, ceiling tiles, roofing, and in many building materials.
If you were exposed to asbestos at your workplace, and have developed cancer or a related illness, you are likely to qualify for compensation.
Asbestos was cheap, durable, fire-resistant and light, and was thought to be the perfect insulating material before research showed it was extremely hazardous to the health.
The success rates of settlements regarding asbestos exposure injury are quite high. It may be necessary to prove that occupational exposure is the primary cause of lung cancer or mesothelioma, though this is the job of The Lyon Firm, and we have experience in reaching large mesothelioma settlements.
Asbestos Verdicts & Settlements
Estate of Steve Thomas v. AK Steel Corporation, et al.
Summary: PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, Pennsylvania – Co-counsel represented the surviving spouse of a steel mill worker who developed mesothelioma after years of asbestos exposure on the job. The case resulted in a settlement exceeding $2.7 million.
Estate of William P. Bush v. AK Steel Corporation, et al.
Summary: MADISON COUNTY, Illinois – Co-counsel represented the family of a steel mill worker who suffered asbestos exposure that later led to mesothelioma. The case resulted in a settlement exceeding $2.3 million.
Asbestos Lawsuits
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