In Louisiana, the most common types of jobs that lead to asbestos exposure are military veterans, shipyard workers, construction workers, factory laborers and rescue personnel. Up to 30 percent of all mesothelioma patients are military veterans.
Asbestos has been widely used in every military branch, particularly the Navy. It has been used in everything from clothing to metal fixtures. Asbestos was widely used on commercial ships and in shipyards to stave off the risk of fire. On the ships, it was used in the boiler and engine rooms and sleeping quarters, among other places.
More than 1.3 million construction workers are exposed to asbestos each year. This mineral has been used in all types of building construction materials including floor tiles, siding panels, pipes, insulation, theater curtains and duct tape. In addition to the industries that mill and refine asbestos, a large number of factories create asbestos-containing products.
Those involved in the rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City run a high risk of developing asbestos-related lung diseases, including mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are light and small, and can linger in the air for long periods.
When these fibers are inhaled, they settle in the lungs and cause a slow irritation that leads to cancer over a period of decades. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer and is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
While you may not be able to control your disease process, you can take steps to change the way you react to it. This includes understanding what mesothelioma is, where it comes from and how it will change your body. If you have questions about Mesothelioma, call the Gertler Law Firm at (504) 527-8767 for a free consultation.
