Pipefitters Beware
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- Created on Tuesday, 20 September 2011 14:25
Pipefitters have a dramatically increased risk of developing an asbestos related illness. Even though the use of asbestos peaked back in 1973, it can take up to 40 years for Mesothelioma to develop. Since 1973, the use of asbestos has declined by almost 100%, according to the American Lung Association but people are still being diagnosed every year and over 10,000 people a year die from asbestos related diseases.
Even though asbestos is not prevalent in products manufactured today, pipefitters, plumbers, etc. often work in buildings or other environments that were developed long before asbestos became heavily regulated. Contrary to popular belief, asbestos is NOT illegal in the USA. It is banned in many products but according to the EPA: In 1989 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Rule which was subsequently overturned in the case of Corrosion Proof Fittings v. EPA, 947 F.2d 1201 (5th Cir. 1991). This ruling leaves many consumer products that can still legally contain trace amounts of asbestos. For a clarification of products which legally contain asbestos, read the EPA's clarification statement (http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/
Others professionals that remain at an increased risk include plumbers, electricians, engineers (mainly mechanical), and school teachers (if they worked in older buildings). For a more comprehensive list of professions that carry an increased risk, click: Am I at Risk for Developing Mesothelioma?
If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos please talk to a physician. If you've already been diagnosed with any asbestos related disease or condition you should be aware that in many cases, the manufactures of the products, knew about the dangers of using asbestos yet chose to hide this information from the public and their employees. You and your family deserve compensation from these negligent companies/manufacturers. In many cases they are responsible for causing these diseases and they need to be held responsible for their negligence. It is recommended that you speak with a qualified Mesothelioma Lawyer as soon as possible. Timing for these types of cases is extremely critical.
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