Asbestos was first used commercially in the late 1800s but the use greatly increased during World War II. Hundreds of thousands or even millions of American workers were exposed to asbestos during this time. Symptoms of disease associated with asbestos haven’t been noticed until recently.
It takes 20 to 50 years for the symptoms to manifest. Workers in shipyards, asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products and construction industries were the first to show the symptoms. After it became public, US government set limits on the use and exposure of asbestos in the workplaces. The government also generated guidelines on the use of proper and protective clothing, warning signs and gears to protect workers.
In the early 1900s, exposure to asbestos has been known to cause health hazards in the workplace. Presence of asbestos in water and food supplies has raised concerns on the long term effect and yet, uncertain risks in asbestos exposure. Studies show that exposure to asbestos is associated with development of certain diseases like pleural plaques, asbestosis, carcinoma on the respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tumors, among others.
In a specific study on an asbestos mining company in Western Australia, there were no deaths recorded among the workers after 10 years of exposure. Commercial asbestos mining was happened sometime between 1945 and 1966. 85 deaths were reported due to mesothelioma by 1985.
Aside from workers, their family members and those living with them have a high risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos dust stuck on the clothes and hair of workers can be brought home and further expose other people inside the household.
Populations living near asbestos mines and workplaces have an increased risk of getting mesothelioma and other diseases related to asbestos. Dusts coming from these areas are flown into the households near the vicinity, thus, increasing the risk of getting exposed.
Materials used in constructing buildings may contain asbestos. Workers renovating or destroying these buildings might also have the risk of getting exposed in asbestos dust.
Lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers were first filed in 1929. After such, other similar lawsuits followed. The usual cases filed are about mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases caused by exposure, neglect of companies to protect their workers by implementing safety measures, and communities clamoring for justice after acquiring the diseases. This became an important legal battle after asbestosis, mesothelioma and other diseases associated with asbestos came public.