Warehouse workers who handle old or deteriorating materials or equipment may inadvertently disturb asbestos, making it airborne and respirable. This exposure is particularly risky because asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, can take years to manifest, making early detection difficult.
The team at Bailey & Glasser, LLP understands the emotional burden of dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis and is here to offer crucial information and resources to support you in this difficult journey.
How are Warehouse Workers at Risk?
Warehouses constructed before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos. It was commonly used in building materials for insulation, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing. As these materials age or get damaged, asbestos fibers can be released into the air.
The primary risk for warehouse workers is the inhalation of asbestos fibers, which can occur when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. This might happen during renovations, repairs, or routine work activities in areas where asbestos materials are present.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases often develop years after exposure.
Asbestos Sources
In warehouses constructed before the 1980s, asbestos was frequently used in various building materials. Common sources include:
- insulation in walls, pipes, and boilers
- roofing and siding materials
- floor tiles and the glue used for flooring
- ceiling tiles and spray-on coatings
Some equipment and vehicles used in warehouses may contain asbestos, especially if they are older. Sources include:
- brake pads and linings in warehouse vehicles
- gaskets and seals in machinery
- heat-resistant fabrics and protective clothing
- older packaging materials, particularly those used for insulation or fireproofing
Disturbing asbestos-containing materials during renovations, repairs, or demolition can release fibers into the air. This can occur when:
- drilling, cutting, or sanding asbestos-containing materials
- removing insulation from pipes or boilers
- replacing old roofing or tiles
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Warehouse Worker Equipment
- A.W. Chesterton Co.: This company manufactured pumps, lubricants, gaskets, and sealants.
- Amatex: Amatex distributed textiles woven with asbestos fibers to make them heat-and fire-resistant, such as clothing and safety gear.
- American Biltrite: American Biltrite manufactured floor tiles and vinyl sheet flooring, as well as adhesive, tape, and paper.
- Celotex: Found in the early 1920s, they produced construction and insulation materials.
- Johns Manville: Johns Manville manufactured construction materials, including adhesives, cement, insulation, roofing products, and fireproofing materials.
- Kentile Floors: A flooring manufacturer that created various tiles including cork floor tiles, asphalt vinyl tiles, and rubber floor tiles.
- National Gypsum: Sold insulation and construction products under the Gold Bond brand, including insulating cement, adhesive, spray texture, and plaster.
- The Flintkote Company: Incorporated in 1917, The Flintkote Company produced siding, ceiling tiles, felt, and floor tiles.
Final Thoughts
If you think your job as a warehouse worker has exposed you to asbestos, resulting in mesothelioma or a related condition, you could be entitled to monetary compensation. Explore the potential for filing a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or an asbestos trust fund claim by speaking with an attorney at Bailey & Glasser, LLP. Book a free consultation today.
