How Louisiana Women Have Been Exposed To Asbestos Over The Years
When women are diagnosed with mesothelioma in New Orleans or elsewhere in Louisiana, the most common route of asbestos exposure so far is through a loved one who worked in an industry or on a site where asbestos was used.
And while that’s been true for a long time, there are reasons to think that in the future, more females will be diagnosed through exposure from their own workplace experience.
Asbestos continues to be legal to use in a number of applications, and while health and safety rules are in place to protect employees, women in construction and other asbestos-intensive trades are likely to have higher exposure than those in other fields.
In addition, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina may have resulted in thousands of people being inadvertently exposed to asbestos.
As devastated buildings were torn down, the pace of reconstruction made it impossible to strictly adhere to asbestos protocols.
Often, the danger to the public from damaged structures was much more certain than the danger from asbestos, so from demolition to repairs, construction workers, homeowners, and employees working in buildings were likely exposed to airborne asbestos.
The consequences of Hurricane Katrina’s destruction on the Gulf Coast won’t be fully realized for decades, and it’s likely that countless women were exposed to asbestos, as well as men.
Because of the storm and its aftermath, New Orleans and the rest of Louisiana are likely to have a unique relationship with mesothelioma in years ahead.
Where women were once exposed to toxic fibers through exposure to a loved one who worked, now women who work in a variety of fields, or simply live in the region affected by the storm, may have exposure of their own.
At the Gertler Law Firm, we help connect people who’ve been sickened by asbestos exposure to the resources they need to fight mesothelioma and protect their family’s future. Call us today if you, your mother, sister or grandmother needs help – (504) 527-8767 – free consultation.
