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Insulators

Insulators and Asbestos Exposure

Compassionate Attorneys Fighting for Insulators Exposed to Asbestos

Insulators are highly sought-after professionals in many industries, tasked with installing and replacing insulation material designed to regulate and maintain an optimal temperature in various types of structures. Unfortunately, prior to regulations concerning hazardous materials being established, workers in older residential and industrial buildings could be exposed to asbestos, a particularly dangerous substance that can cause terminal illnesses like mesothelioma. 

If you developed mesothelioma after working with asbestos-contaminated insulation, call (855) 744-1922 or contact us online to discuss your legal options with our experienced attorneys.

How Are Insulators Exposed to Asbestos?

Insulation confers numerous benefits to homes and commercial buildings, but during the mid-20th century, its materials posed a serious health risk for those responsible for installing them. During this period, nearly all insulation was made with asbestos, a mineral fiber that was valued for its heat-retaining properties. Unfortunately, it has since been revealed that asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma and other lung diseases. Asbestos fibers become airborne when disturbed, leading to the inhalation of these potentially dangerous particles by those handling the material. Because of this, insulators were at an increased risk of developing life-threatening illnesses due to their close and frequent contact with asbestos fibers.

Asbestos insulation was widely used in the 20th century in a variety of settings, including homes, buildings, ships, cars, and manufacturing facilities. Insulators who worked with these materials in any of these venues could have been exposed to asbestos fibers.

It was not until the 1980s that safety regulations began to be enacted to ban or limit the use of asbestos. By then, however, many people had already been exposed to high levels of asbestos-containing products. Today, workers such as insulators are still at risk for exposure if they work with or near structures and machinery manufactured prior to the 1980s.

Asbestos Products Associated with Insulators

When workers installed asbestos-containing wall insulation behind drywall, they had to carefully measure and cut the pieces to the right length. The insulation was typically fragile, making it susceptible to ripping and tearing when stretched open, which could lead to potentially hazardous fibers floating in the air. Asbestos pipe insulation is another common risk factor for exposure to this toxic mineral due to its age and fragility. The material tends to decay with time, causing it to easily break down into small airborne fibers. Even a small amount of asbestos contains an alarmingly high number of microscopic fibers that can be dangerous if inhaled. 

Some of the asbestos-containing materials that insulators are likely to encounter include:

  • Block insulation
  • Pipe insulation
  • Spray-applied insulation
  • Valve insulation jackets
  • Zonolite insulation
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Manufacturers Who Made Asbestos-Laden Products Used by Insulators

Manufacturers of insulation materials containing asbestos were aware of the risks these products posed to insulators. Because they ignored those risks and exposed countless insulators to an avoidable hazard, leading many to develop serious diseases, these companies can often be held liable for their actions.

Some of the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products that have become involved in litigation include:

  • A. P. Green Industries
  • A C & S Inc.
  • Armstrong World Industries
  • C. E. Thurston & Sons
  • Celotex
  • CertainTeed Corporation
  • Combustion Engineering
  • Crown Cork and Seal
  • EaglePicher
  • Ehret Magnesia
  • Fibreboard
  • The Flintkote Company
  • GAF Corporation
  • Garlock
  • Johns Manville
  • Kaiser Aluminum
  • National Gypsum Company
  • Nicolet (Keasbey & Mattison)
  • Owens Corning
  • Owens-Illinois
  • Pacor Incorporated
  • Rock Wool Manufacturing
  • Shook & Fletcher
  • Unarco
  • Western MacArthur
  • W.R. Grace & Company
  • American Association for Justice
  • MATA
  • The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

How Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Mesothelioma in Insulators

Asbestos exposure is considered the primary cause of mesothelioma in insulators. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that affects the lining around the lungs, abdomen, or other parts of the body. Insulators are particularly at risk due to their working with asbestos-containing materials on a regular basis. 

Asbestos fibers become airborne when disturbed and can easily be inhaled into the body, leading to long-term health issues such as mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are ingested, the particles become embedded in the linings of the lungs and other surrounding organs. Over time, these fibers can cause extensive scarring, inflammation, and tissue damage. 

Unfortunately, it can take multiple decades for symptoms of mesothelioma and other diseases linked to asbestos to present themselves after the initial exposure has occurred, making it difficult to detect and diagnose early. 

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is generally poor. There is no cure, but surgery and other treatments can be used to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, especially if it is caught at the earlier stages. Therefore, it is important for insulators who are aware of past exposure to get frequent medical screenings to check for signs of mesothelioma and other illnesses.  

Getting Compensation for Insulators and Their Families

If you are an insulator who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should know that you have rights and legal options for recovering compensation from those responsible. You may be able to pursue a claim with an existing asbestos bankruptcy trust fund, or you could need to file a personal injury lawsuit. Families of insulators who have lost their lives to mesothelioma can file wrongful death lawsuits.

Our team at SWMW Law is made up of driven advocates who understand how to strategically navigate the legal system to maximize compensation for insulators and their families. With over $750 million recovered for our clients to date, our capabilities speak for themselves, and we want to put our experience to work for you – because your story matters. We never overlook the reality that your diagnosis was likely 100% avoidable, and we will fight to hold liable parties accountable – because justice matters. From beginning to end, you will have the full support and attention of our attorneys, who will always take the extra step, make the next call, and press for the best possible outcome. We recognize what is at stake and will make every effort to relieve your burden so that you can focus on what is most important.

We will always put you and your family first. To learn more about what we can do for you, call (855) 744-1922 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. 

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