Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that were commonly used in certain products, primarily several decades ago. Some of the products containing asbestos were materials used in construction and building materials and vehicle brakes to resist heat and corrosion. Asbestos includes actinolite asbestos, tremolite, chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, and anthophyllite asbestos and any of these materials that were altered or treated with various chemicals.
When workers were exposed to asbestos containing materials, the fibers were inhaled into the lungs and absorbed by other organs. The inhalation caused serious damage in millions of workers, although symptoms did not appear for many years after the exposure occurred in most incidents. Workers that ended up with asbestosis were determined to have a buildup of scar-like tissue in their lungs. This resulted in the loss of function in the lungs. This leads to serious disability and death for many people.
Workers who performed work on brakes and clutches could possibly be exposed to asbestos. Industrial employees are likely to come in contact with asbestos containing products as well. In the construction industry, exposure is still possible when working on or around buildings that are being renovated or demolished that contained materials built with asbestos. Some may not even realize they are being exposed because asbestos fibers, which are inhaled into the lungs and body, are so small a person is unable to see them with the naked eye.
For those that smoke cigarettes, the risk for serious injury or death to due asbestos exposure is even higher. In the 1970’s, the late attorney Fred Baron uncovered the hidden truth about asbestos and revealed it to workers everywhere. Fred Baron went on to represent thousands of injured workers and their families at his law firm, Baron & Budd, P.C. Many companies were sued for turning a blind eye to the dangers of asbestos and ultimately exposing and seriously injuring many workers forcing them to make an asbestos compensation claim.
OSHA now requires all employers whose employees may be exposed to airborne asbestos provide and require the use of protective clothing. These include full body clothing, gloves, head and foot coverings. Face shields, goggles with vents, and other protective clothing as well. While nothing is fool-proof, these precautions definitely help prevent harmful asbestos and the devastating effects it can have on the body.