Asbestos gained popularity in the 20th century because the mineral was inexpensive, strong, and resistant to corrosion, heat and fire. Tons of asbestos were mined in the United States and used as filler in thousands of products. Roofing materials, like many construction products prior to regulation, often contained asbestos because it was ideal for insulating and fireproofing buildings.
Roofers are construction workers who specialize in the installation and repair of roofs. Unfortunately, roofers are among those who may have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer from asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Asbestos roof materials regularly handled by roofers included asbestos tile, shingles, roofing felt, and putty. As they worked to install new roofs on both commercial and residential buildings, materials needed to be manipulated to fit dimensions for specifics projects. This required a roofer to cut and sand asbestos tile and shingles. This installation process may have exposed them to dangerous friable asbestos. As these materials were altered, asbestos dust was released into the air. Roofers working on the removal and repair of roofs also created asbestos dust by tearing out damaged asbestos roofing materials. When airborne, asbestos fibers linger in the air where they can easily be ingested or carried around on the roofer's clothing and hair. Once these tiny asbestos fibers make their way into the body they can cause inflammation and scarring in organ tissue that may develop into mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.
Sadly, in the United States, millions of people have been exposed to asbestos. Because it generally takes 10 to 60 years from the time of asbestos exposure for mesothelioma symptoms to appear, we are only now seeing the terrible effects of asbestos use.
Trust funds have been established by many companies to pay compensation to those injured by asbestos exposure.
If you have mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related injury, and wish to consult an attorney about your legal rights to compensation, CLICK HERE for a free consultation.