Aprons
People who worked in industrial settings where high temperatures were common often had to wear protective clothing. Some of the work sites that required this safety measure included oil refineries, power plants, chemical plants, aluminum plants and mills. One of the garments that many workers wore was a heavy duty apron that was fitted over the front of their bodies. These aprons were designed to provide a great amount of coverage and help people continue to work in very hot conditions.
Industrial aprons were also fire resistant. They were designed for the safety of plant employees, but the most vital component that provided this protection turned out to be even more dangerous than the locations where they were required. The most effective part of the aprons was a mineral that is found in large natural deposits: asbestos.
Asbestos was used for decades in products such as insulation, gaskets and protective clothing. It was thought of as an extremely valuable resource, until a pattern of illnesses was discovered. As it turned out, this mineral is highly toxic and one of the major risk factors for asbestos diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. There are several different mesothelioma types including peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma.
Manufacturers across the nation stopped using asbestos when discovery of being one of the mesothelioma causes was made ... but not all of them. Some continued to use asbestos because they were making a huge amount of profit from this inexpensive mineral. The people who allowed their products to contain asbestos after it was found to be a health hazard put the very lives of hundreds of others at risk. Everyone from the workers who helped make the aprons to the people who wore them could have been exposed to the toxins they contained.
As long as the aprons were in one solid piece, they were not likely to pose a hazard, but as soon as they ripped, frayed or started to fall apart the danger was let out. This danger came from tiny particles of asbestos that could be breathed in by anyone who came into contact with the aprons. It was these microscopic fibers that actually caused the health problems and diseases. Many people became seriously ill or even lost their lives after inhaling even trace amounts of asbestos.
People began to realize the true cause of their illnesses, and soon after lawsuits were filed against the companies that produced the asbestos laden products. Over the years many companies have declared bankruptcy due to the sheer number of personal injury claims against them. Though that might sound like the companies got what they deserved, the Chapter 11 bankruptcy they filed usually allowed them to reorganize, escape the massive debt they owed and provide much smaller payoffs to victims.
If you were forced to wear an apron that contained asbestos, you may have legal options available to you. Find out more by requesting one of our free brochures about what to do if you were wrongfully exposed to this poisonous mineral.
Questions about aprons and asbestos exposure? Please contact us.
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