Bakers may be at risk of asbestos exposure, primarily in older buildings or when using older equipment that contains asbestos.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and exposure to it can lead to serious health issues, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases typically develop many years after exposure to asbestos.
If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos while working as a baker, reach out to Bailey & Glasser, LLP. If you’ve developed health issues due to this exposure, you may be entitled to financial compensation. We can explore your options with you and work to get you the justice you deserve.
How are Bakers at Risk?
In a bakery, potential sources of asbestos exposure historically stemmed from using asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in various applications, particularly due to their heat-resistant properties. While modern bakeries, especially those built or renovated with newer materials, are less likely to contain asbestos, older bakeries may still have these risks.
- Disturbed asbestos in building materials: In older bakeries, asbestos might be present in insulation, tiles, roofing, or other building materials. Renovations, repairs, or general wear and tear can disturb these materials, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
- Maintenance and repair activities: Maintenance work in an older bakery, such as fixing ovens or working on insulation, can disturb asbestos-containing materials, posing a risk to bakers present during these activities.
Asbestos Sources
Some common sources of asbestos in bakeries include:
- Ovens and oven linings: Older ovens may have asbestos as part of their insulation or lining. Asbestos was used in these areas to withstand high temperatures and prevent heat loss. If these components deteriorate or are damaged, they can release asbestos fibers.
- Heat-resistant fabrics: Items such as oven mitts, protective aprons, and curtains in bakeries might have historically contained asbestos for heat resistance. If these items are old and frayed, they could release fibers.
- Gaskets and seals in equipment: Asbestos was often used in gaskets and seals in various kitchen equipment due to its durability and heat-resistant qualities.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Bakery Parts
- A.P. Green: Produced clay bricks and other products used in many baking ovens.
- A.W. Chesterton Co.: Started our producing engineering and steamboat supplies and then added gaskets, pumps, lubricants, and sealants.
- Amatex: Amatex made textiles woven with asbestos fibers to make them heat-and fire-resistant. Some of the items included cords, ropes, clothing and safety gear, yarn, and thread.
- Anchor Packing Company: Produced mitts and gloves, gaskets, and brake linings, which were commonly used in heating applications.
- Blodgett Corporation: An oven manufacturer founded in 1854, produced steamer ovens, convection ovens, and pizza deck ovens.
- Garlock Sealing Technologies: A specialist in creating sealing products in the processing industry.
- Johns-Manville: Produced asbestos products such as gaskets, rope, cement, sheet packaging, and adhesives.
- Raybestos-Manhattan Inc.: Produced asbestos-containing cloth, blankets, felt, and aprons.
Final Thoughts
Worried that your bakery employment might have exposed you to asbestos and caused related health issues? Contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, for a free initial consultation. Our team is experienced in representing mesothelioma patients and their families and is fully aware of the profound implications of a mesothelioma diagnosis and its many unknowns. We’re here to support you in dealing with your situation.
