Unfortunately, as more is learned about asbestos exposure and the risks to consumers and workers alike, the list of at-risk scenarios continues to grow. The risks can be based on hazardous careers, dangerous consumer products or toxic construction materials. One at-risk occupation centers on those who have worked in the past or are currently working in a boiler room.
Asbestos is a naturally fire-resistant material that has been mined in specific locations around the world for centuries. When this mineral is blended with other materials, the combination can lead to heat-resistant products designed to protect both consumers and workers. Unfortunately, as the products cracked with use or deteriorated with age, the asbestos fibers can be ingested or inhaled leading to deadly conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Asbestos exposure and common symptoms
Boiler rooms or fire rooms are used on military ships to boil water and transfer it to the engine room where it is then used to power the ship. The boilers and pipes, likely, contain asbestos as a form of protection for the workers. Due to their proximity to the dangerous material and the duration of their exposure, Navy veterans who worked in boiler rooms have shown a statistically high chance of developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure can lead to a range of symptoms that often overlap with other conditions, making an early, accurate diagnosis challenging. Exposure can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and fever. Those exposed will often see a progression in their symptoms as their severity increases. If you worked in an at-risk occupation or have lost a loved one to mesothelioma, it is important to discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney.
