Public Water and Sewer Worker
Public water and sewer workers are the construction workers responsible for the installation and ongoing maintenance of public water and sewer systems. Unfortunately, because some of the materials encountered by public water and sewer workers contained asbestos and they often work in close quarters, many have suffered workplace asbestos exposure and the resulting health problems. Asbestos building materials can release fibers and dust into the air when aged or disturbed. When inhaled, an asbestos exposure can lead to a number of health problems. These include asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal.
Public Water and Sewer Workers at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Public water and sewer workers, who worked from about 1940 to 1980, are at the highest risk for asbestos exposure because this was the time period when a variety of the construction materials contained asbestos. Public water and sewer employees who worked during this time period were likely to encounter pipes made with asbestos containing cement. Often these pipes had to be cut to fit certain dimensions, which created asbestos dust with tiny fibers floating in the air. Breathing this dust could potentially cause the dangerous health effects associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was used so often in construction products because of its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage and the benefits of sound absorption and tensile strength. Asbestos fibers can be disturbed into the air at construction sites when many of these materials are cut, shaved or ground with power tools to fit specific dimensions. Even workers who did not work directly with these materials are still at risk because the fibers can float through the air for long periods of time.
For an exhaustive list of asbestos containing products, please check out our asbestos containing products page.
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Modern Public Water and Sewer Workers are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Public water and sewer workers continue to face the risks associated with asbestos exposure when replacing, repairing, or demolishing older pipe systems because asbestos-containing cement may be present. Also, although the United States began regulating asbestos in the 1970’s, it has not been banned entirely. Two-thirds of the modern asbestos-containing products are construction materials, although they are typically labeled as such.
Modern public water and sewer employees need to be taught the proper safety procedures and given the required equipment to protect themselves from the dangers of asbestos. A basic precaution is wearing a ventilator or safety mask to avoid inhaling asbestos dust. They should also be educated on the identification of asbestos containing pipes and the proper methods of handling disposal.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos While Working as a Public Water and Sewer Worker? Mesothelioma Lawyers May be Able to Assist You
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working as a public water and sewer employee get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and the life expectancy of a victim is around a year post-diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos while working as a public water and sewer employee, you may be entitled to the financial compensation that mesothelioma settlements can provide. To learn more about your legal options and how mesothelioma lawyers may be able to help, please contact us for a free legal consultation.
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