Laboring in refineries and oil production facilities has long presented numerous health safety risks, which include exposure to toxic fumes and asbestos dust. Asbestos is a toxic material now known to directly cause serious illnesses like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Oil refinery asbestos exposure occurred in numerous Louisiana facilities, including Citgo. Some refinery staff were likely exposed to toxic asbestos materials that have been proven to cause fatal cancers and other undesirable health conditions.
Why was asbestos used if it was known to cause cancer? Well, it wasn’t always common knowledge that the material was so dangerous. Asbestos was just thought to be a durable, versatile insulator perfect for high heat environments.
Many Louisiana oil refineries and production plants took no precaution to protect Citgo workers from the hazards of asbestos which then resulted in severe health consequences for thousands. This widespread corporate negligence caused generations of oil refinery workers to develop terminal asbestos-related diseases and lung cancers.
Citgo Refinery asbestos risk includes serious health conditions like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Joe Lyon is a toxic exposure lawyer representing plaintiffs nationwide in occupational lung disease and mesothelioma claims.
Citgo Refinery Asbestos Exposure Cancer Cases
Oil production plants throughout the world uses large amounts of piping that connects separate refining and storage tanks. The pipes, tanks, boilers, pumps, and other equipment may still contain asbestos insulation that it was built with to mitigate fire risks.
The insulation was likely built into equipment decades ago, it may be quickly deteriorating, presenting new risks to workers today. Asbestos is very toxic when deteriorating and workers in the area are likely to inhale or ingest disturbed fibers, which can get lodged in lung tissue.
A published industry study concluded that exposure to asbestos in oil refineries has undoubtedly directly caused pleural mesothelioma. The researchers determined mesothelioma should be considered an “occupational disease among oil refinery workers.”
America’s oil giants have employed thousands of workers. These oil companies had duty to provide their employees with safe work conditions. If at any point they did not properly protect workers, they are bound to compensate any employees that eventually fall ill.
Workers in Citgo Refinery who have developed related health issues may have claims against former or current employers. Do not hesitate to seek more information from an experienced attorney and discuss your legal options.
