Mesothelioma and Asbestos Risk for Steelworkers

Steelworkers (including metal workers, smelters, and sheet metal professionals) who worked in metalworking facilities that used asbestos were likely exposed to the dangerous, highly toxic substance. Asbestos exposure can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma. Those affected should speak with a doctor and seek legal advice to learn more about how they can protect their rights.

If you are a steelworker who was exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us online or call (855) 744-1922 to explore your legal options.

How Are Steelworkers Exposed to Asbestos?

For much of the 20th century, metalworking facilities regularly used asbestos as a cost-effective barrier and insulator thanks to its reliable heat-resistant features. The extremely hot areas of metalworking facilities were frequently filled with asbestos, likely exposing thousands of workers to the hazardous material and putting their health and safety at risk.

In the early 1980s, regulations surrounding asbestos usage were adequately enforced to stop its use across many industries - such as those involving steelworkers - by the end of that decade. Despite this progress, there still is no definitive ban on asbestos in the United States. Consequently, older facilities may still have traces of it lingering within their walls and machines.

There are several ways in which steelworkers may have been exposed to asbestos, as the mineral was often used in a metalworking facility’s construction, its protective gear, and its machinery. Any level of occupational exposure could lead to long-term health consequences, including mesothelioma.

What Specific Asbestos Products Put Metal Workers at Risk?

Asbestos was considered necessary in metalworking facilities due to their high-heat environments. Construction products utilized in the building of these facilities often featured asbestos, which may have been present in cement, wall and ceiling tiles, and insulation materials. Asbestos was employed to fortify metalworking and refining tools, as well. Even worse, equipment designed to protect employees from high heat conditions frequently contained asbestos fibers. 

A steelworker may have been exposed to asbestos due to any of the following products, equipment, or materials:

When these products and materials age and deteriorate over time, they inevitably release asbestos fibers into the air. Steelworkers may have also unwittingly brought these fibers home with them and exposed their loved ones. 

Where Will a Steelworker Encounter Asbestos?

Because of how prevalent asbestos was in facility construction, the metal refining process, and in safety gear, it is possible to become exposed in an alarming variety of areas. Any level of exposure can lead to adverse health complications, though sustained contact or exposure raises the likelihood of developing a life-altering condition.

A steelworker may be at risk of asbestos exposure and developing mesothelioma in any of the following locations: