With inner-city revival and renovation projects on the rise, demolition workers in the Boston area have been busy these days. Many of the older apartment buildings and businesses are starting anew and in the process have come across large amounts of asbestos. In fact, the number of registered asbestos removal projects in Massachusetts hit an all-time high in 2015 numbering 23,756. This represents an increase of 50% in the last 5 years. Although there are numerous safety regulations in place to protect demolition workers who remove asbestos, many workers report large gaps between the rules and what actually goes on at the demolition site placing workers in danger of exposure. The development of mesothelioma has been linked to exposure to asbestos and given rise to many asbestos lawsuits.
Why is Asbestos Exposure Dangerous to Workers?
Asbestos are a group of mineral compounds that occur naturally and can easily be wound into long, thin threads. Because this combination of materials is resistant to heat, fire, and is incredibly strong, asbestos was widely used in many industries as a building material. When asbestos is being removed from a building, a large number of fibers are released into the air. If breathed in, these fibers can get into the lungs and will remain there for a long time. This can cause inflammation of the lungs and has ultimately been found to cause mesothelioma (cancer of the lungs). Because of this, asbestos has been classified a known human carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Asbestos exposure can also cause a condition known as asbestosis, an inflammatory condition of the lungs that causes shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent damage to the lungs.
Where Are Common Places Where Asbestos Was Used?
- Shipyards: Asbestos was typically used to build ships, repair parts, and provide insulation from the 1930s until the late 1970s.
Apartment buildings: Many inner city buildings utilized asbestos in walls, ceilings, and under tiles due to its fire resistant properties.- Schools: Most schools, including elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges, were built using asbestos for insulation.
- Manufacturing plants: An array of manufacturing businesses used asbestos in everything from their machinery, parts to keep the machines running, equipment and products.
- Power plants: Known for its ability to keep structures insulated and being fireproof, asbestos became useful for power plants throughout Massachusetts, along with being used for protective clothing worn by the plant’s employees.
Contact an Asbestos Lawyer
If you or someone you know has developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced Asbestos lawyers across the country, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file an asbestos lawsuit for you, and they charge no fee unless you win and award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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