Workers who were employed at shipyards were at an extremely high risk of being exposed to asbestos between the 1940s and the 1970s. Hundreds of thousands of shipbuilders were tasked with using asbestos as insulation and fireproofing in more than 300 types of materials that were then used on ships. This level of exposure, combined with the severe lack in protection provided to workers, meant that many of these men and women developed serious or fatal asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos injury claims mounting; $11 billion more anticipated
Exposure to asbestos has caused devastating injuries and even death for thousands of people. There have already been payments from insurers on such personal injury and wrongful death claims in North Carolina and nationwide which have totaled $51 billion to date. The insurers covering relevant claims set aside another $23 billion for pending and anticipated claims. Now a report from an insurance industry rating firm has indicated that claims are actually likely to ultimately cost an additional $11 billion on top of that.
Threat of asbestos persists even after Navy ships retired
For decades, men and women in the U.S. Navy have been put in situations where they have been heavily exposed to asbestos. The toxic substance was used extensively in many areas of naval ships as a fireproofing method. Through the 1980s, shipbuilders continued using asbestos in ships, despite learning the risks associated with it. Since then, however, changes have been made in the way in which the Navy deals with asbestos.
Hurricane damage in schools causing asbestos, mold exposure
Hurricane Sandy will continue to affect the communities along the east coast for years to come and in New York, parents complained about the conditions of a storm-damaged school. Investigators found that the parents had good reason to be worried as tests have found mold and asbestos and PS 114Q in the school.
The importance of identifying the symptoms of mesothelioma
The tragic truth about asbestos-related diseases is that they often lie dormant for decades before victims begin to notice symptoms. By the time many people are diagnosed with mesothelioma and other cancers caused by asbestos, it is simply too late to begin effective treatment. All too often, a person dies from their illness before they can take the appropriate legal action against the party responsible for his or her asbestos exposure. In many cases, however, family members can pursue a sense of justice by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent parties for their loss.
Property owners must act responsibly when addressing asbestos
Asbestos is an extremely toxic substance, exposure to which can cause a host of life threatening and health destroying diseases and injuries. In North Carolina, and elsewhere, this can result in the potential for significant premises liability. When property owners discover the presence of asbestos in buildings, particularly those being either torn down or remodeled, they often confront a dilemma--the relatively high cost of properly disposing of the asbestos in a way that is both legal and minimizes the risk of exposure both to work crews and to the surrounding community.
Why more women may be exposed to asbestos
When most people learn about the risks associated with asbestos exposure, they may inaccurately believe that they are not in danger of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis and other related diseases. They may think they are safe because they have never worked in shipyards or on railways, and they have never been down in the mines where people used to acquire the toxic fiber. However, people come into contact with dangerous products that contain asbestos every day.
