Boilermakers | Mesothelioma Symptoms

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• History of asbestos exposure in boilermakers
  

Boilermakers and Mesothelioma Symptoms from Asbestos Exposure 

Boilermakers were the individuals who helped to fabricate the large vessels used to generate steam for use in heating and powering of buildings, hot water and sea-faring crafts up through the first half of the twentieth century. Today, boilermakers maintain these devices, as well as assume the responsibility for the upkeep of the pipes and conduits that are part of the boiler systems in large office and apartment complexes that are used for steam-driven climate control. Boilermakers also perform pipe-fitting and welding operations in steam-powered vessels, in power plants, and anywhere else where steam is utilized under pressure to provide power or heating of some sort.  Their work is often accomplished in hot, moist, cramped conditions with hand-held tools, torches and welding units.   

Not surprisingly, boilermakers also run the risk of exposure to asbestos and developing mesothelioma symptoms, since the “miracle” material called asbestos was used as the main heat-insulation medium within and surrounding boilers for many decades. Asbestos was also used in the materials used to make gaskets for boilers, as well as for the sealants and tapes used in the joints between pipes in boiler systems. Today, several decades after the government began to limit the use of asbestos and regulate its use in military and civilian operations, there are thousands of boilers around the country that are still contaminated with asbestos.  Boilermakers run the risk of being exposed to asbestos whenever they repair, replace or maintain one of these boilers, as the asbestos insulation can be disturbed and become dust that is inhaled by the boilermaker or taken home upon clothing to be inhaled by other residents.  Since boilers tend to last for many decades, it is possible for young boilermakers today to encounter asbestos that was installed half a century ago. If workers are not informed of the presence of asbestos in these massive heating systems, or if occupational and health safety practices are not practiced by the new boilermakers, they too can contract diseases related to asbestos--such as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma--and develop mesothelioma symptoms, ultimately succumbing to the deadly disease. The ubiquity of asbestos, especially in older boiler systems, makes the occupation of boilermaker a high-risk job for asbestos exposure even in the twenty-first century.

The Simmons firm is a law firm committed to working with and assisting those individuals and families who have been devastated by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. For nearly a decade we have worked beside and fought for the rights of men and women who were innocently exposed to asbestos while performing their jobs, and are now afflicted with this deadly disease. We have provided funds for research into a cure for mesothelioma and work with mesothelioma victims and their families on a regular basis.  Understanding the pain and anguish a mesothelioma diagnosis can bring, we are committed to helping our clients get compensation and support. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive support in the battle against mesothelioma if you feel that you or a loved one may be experiencing mesothelioma symptoms due to asbestos exposure in the past or present.