Longshoreman
Longshoremen are at high risk for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. The occupation of longshoreman is regarded as one of the more hazardous jobs due to the danger of asbestos exposure. These individuals who help with the loading and unloading of ships may have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos prior to the 1970’s when many ships contained large amounts of asbestos. Working daily around the ships increased the chance for exposure because the tiny asbestos fibers can float in the air for long periods of time.
Asbestos releases the fibers and dust into the air when disturbed or aged. When inhaled, asbestos can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and such cancers as mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Unfortunately, many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if longshoreman been given the proper training and safety equipment.
Asbestos Products in the Shipping Industry
Asbestos products were used in different areas of the ship primarily because of thier resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage, and the benefits of sound absorption and tensile strength. Asbestos was used in over 300 products on ships until the 1970’s. In fact, it has been estimated that some of the larger ships during this time period contained over 1,000 tons of asbestos in different areas throughout the ship. The most common use on ships was asbestos-containing insulation to wrap hot water, steam, and fuel pipes for heat resistance purposes. Other danger areas of the ship and products include bricks, cement, liners, instrument paneling, adhesives, gaskets, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and cabling.
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How a Longshoreman Could Be Exposed:
• Loading the ships with the asbestos raw materials during the building process
• Loading asbestos containing products for shipment
• Coming on and off the ship when asbestos fibers were floating in the air
• Secondhand exposure from the clothing of full-time sailors
Were You Exposed to Asbestos Working as a Longshoreman? An Asbestos Attorney May be Able to Assist You
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working as a longshoreman get a full physical evaluation by a doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes up to 30-40 years to manifest. Like many other diseases, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos over the course of your longshoreman career, you may be entitled the financial compensation mesothelioma settlements can provide. To learn more about your legal options and the process of working with an asbestos attorney, please contact us for a free legal consultation.